Monthly Update - August 2024
September is here once more! If you checked out last month’s monthly update, you’ll know it means that Back to School marketing and events were promised, and we will certainly not disappoint! BC Tech is coming in hot with one of our busiest back to school seasons yet!
We partnered with the Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction to deliver 500 laptops to post-secondary institutions across British Columbia. These refurbished laptops will be given to students receiving the Ministry of Children & Family Development’s Tuition Waiver. This was an excellent extension and end cap of our Access to Technology program.
A special thank you is extended to Reva K, a local high school student who worked with us over the summer. She was a powerhouse technician and refurbished over 300 devices. We wish her all the best as she returns to school.
A huge thank you to all who donated in August, including Traction Rec, Tolko Industries, Titmouse Animation, Binnie, YVR, Arc’Teryx, and many federal government departments.
We attended this year’s Summer Social at the Burnaby Board of Trade and had a great time connecting and reconnecting with some local Burnaby businesses. Thanks to BBOT for hosting such great events and bringing everyone together.
Upcoming in September:
Our Free Shipping Sale is running until September 26! The first 10 organizations to use the code “BACKTOSCHOOL” on their request of 5 or more paid machines will receive free shipping. In addition to this, any organization that orders 30+ paid devices will also qualify for free shipping. Request now!
Our first proper in-person event of the back to school season will be Car Free Day Vancouver on September 7. Come down to Commercial Drive to check out our booth and say hello! Following that, we will be hosting a Back to School Garage Sale later this month. If you have already signed up to receive updates on client events from BC Tech your invitation should be on the way! New attendees can sign up to receive an invitation now.
If all this isn’t enough to get excited about, come October we will be partnering with two incredible organizations on a digital literacy pilot program for BC newcomer parents to learn digital skills that are necessary for helping their children succeed in BC schools. Stay tuned for more on that soon!
Next up, we have a Meet Our Board interview with our Secretary-Treasurer, Harry Johal. We’re grateful for Harry’s expertise in financial reporting, especially when it comes to managing our federal funding and corporate donations.
Meet Our Board
Director: Harry Johal
What is your role at BC Tech and what skills do you bring to the organization?
I am the Secretary-Treasurer and I bring to the board my experience in treasury, financial reporting and tax services to ensure our federal funding and charitable donations are appropriately managed.
When did you join BC Tech’s Board?
June 2021.
Why did you want to join the board of directors?
Joining the board of directors was an easy decision for me when I learned about BC Tech’s mission to provide access to technology to British Columbians. I strongly believe in the power of technology to empower individuals and enhance educational opportunities and by joining the board, I saw an opportunity to contribute directly to improving lives.
What impacts are you most excited about?
I am most excited about the dual impact our charity achieves. Firstly, we are directly helping people in need by providing them with access to essential technology. Secondly, I am passionate about our role in environmental stewardship. By refurbishing and redistributing technology, we prevent these devices from ending up in landfills, thereby reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainability.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy staying active and being involved in sports. I play basketball and currently coach my son’s soccer team, which allows me to share my love for the game with younger players, helping them develop their skills and fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you ever received?
The best piece of professional advice I ever received was: “Always be learning and lead by example with empathy.”
This advice emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and adaptability while highlighting the significance of leadership and empathy in professional settings. Leading by example means demonstrating the behaviours and attitudes you expect from others, which can inspire and motivate your team. Combining this with empathy ensures that you understand and value the perspectives and emotions of those you work with, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
This holistic approach not only drives personal success but also cultivates a positive and effective workplace culture.
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