Charities in need continue to wait for donations of computer equipment

VANCOUVER, March 17 /CNW/ - In today's economy, it is crucial to raise awareness to our communities about the importance of REUSE. There are hundreds of non-profit organizations across BC who rely on community support and donations in order to run their programs, especially when it comes to computers.

ERA.ca, a non-profit organization that collects computers and electronics to refurbish for local charities; Receives donation requests for computers and laptops on a daily basis. There is a constant struggle to fulfill the needs of all the organizations because of the battle to receive more donations.

ENCORP, the BC government recycling program continues to collect thousands of re-usable computers, laptops & electronics that will not have a chance at a second life. While the end result of "recycling" items is the goal, ENCORP continues to deny access to organizations such as ERA to collect, sort, refurbish and reuse the items, and instead the items are being sent to a smelter.

ERA is working with local MLA's , BC Bottle Depot Association, Western Canadian Computer Industry Association and many other groups to break the ENCORP monopoly on destroying older but still useful computers.

If you wish to know more, or help please contact us at 604-215-4483.

For further information: Joanna Trebon, [email protected]