Monthly Update - April 2022
Spring has officially sprung - and we are officially springing along with the start of our fiscal year! As always, we’d like to thank all of our wonderful donors. We would like to highlight a big donation from the RCMP who donated 95 computers and 19 laptops which will be used to fill 5 requests from different schools around BC.
Another special thank you to TELUS for their donations which will be directed towards Internet for Good recipients. The program expansion to include seniors last December is causing a big increase in the number of applications we’re receiving as we help people to get their first computer.
We filled 92 applications for 346 computers in April and have a goal of reaching 700 computers out the door in May.
Also, we are launching a new campaign to introduce our key staff to our readers. There is no one better to start our monthly interview series than with our executive director herself: Mary-Em Waddington. Mary-Em has been at BC Tech for 24 years and is truly the driving force that glues our entire team together. This month I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mary-Em and learning all about her values and vision for BC Tech going forward. Here's what she had to say:
Meet Our Team
Executive Director: Mary-Em Waddington
What is your role at BC Tech and what do you do on a daily basis?
As the Executive Director, every day is different and the functions of being an Executive Director require showcasing leadership to staff while also relying on staff oversight on their duties. This always sounds like a conversation around “process”. I also liaise with the ISED team in Ottawa on the delivery of Computers for Schools Plus program, BC Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction, and work closely with our Board of Directors to deliver our own mission and goals.
What type of people or companies do you typically deal with?
Sometimes I get calls from clients needing support with their application forms or with general questions, or from donors at the loading bay. Today, I’ve had 3 calls already from someone letting me know that my Amazon package can’t be delivered (haha ugh). Sometimes it’s calls from a company like First West Financial wanting to make a cash donation and discussing how we can make a strong impact with those dollars.
Tell me about your past experiences that prepared you for working at BC Tech?
I celebrated my 24 year anniversary with BC Tech in April. I came from another non-profit organization in 1998 having recently graduated from SFU. Given my tenure at BC Tech, I’ve learned a lot over the years, had the opportunity to take leadership training and other course work to build up my skills and abilities to better lead the organization.
What do you like about working at BC Tech?
I’ve always loved the flexibility of the job and the organization, the varied duties never let me get bored.
What is the Culture like at BC Tech?
We have a lot of fun with our work and the team all get along well. It’s very important to me that there is a culture of peer learning and sharing - especially amongst the youth that are coming here as interns. We are modeling a first work experience and I want it to be a positive one.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Some of my personal hobbies include baking, singing, playing games, and volunteering on other Boards. An interesting fact about myself is that I ran for School Board Trustee in the 2018 municipal election.
How has the COVID-19 Pandemic affected BC Tech?
We have been very lucky not to have been shut down (other than willingly closing those first weeks in March/April 2020) and have stayed healthy at work. When schools shut down we saw a huge increase in demand for our equipment and supported as many people as we could. It was challenging because donations disappeared at the same time and everyone needed a laptop.
How has the COVID-19 Pandemic affected how students access technology?
I think society as a whole is more aware of what the digital divide is, how prevalent it is and how impactful it is to daily life.
What type of donations are most important going into 2022?
Laptops. Most of our demand is for laptops as people need the “zoom” experience that isn’t readily available with a desktop computer. We have to restrict the number of laptops organizations are able to take to ensure there is a large enough supply to help more schools and nonprofits.
