Monthly Update - October 2024
Whew! What a crazy couple of months it has been here at the BC Tech workshop–and we don’t foresee things slowing down anytime soon. The holidays are just around the corner, of course! But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves! We distributed 719 devices in October and are ahead of our annual distribution goal. This speaks to the ongoing need in the community for technology devices. Special thanks for a new partnership with the Surrey Firefighters Charitable Society, who purchased 200 basic package laptops for Surrey students in need. Thank you to the Firefighters for their ongoing work in the community. And as always, thanks to our interns for getting computers out the door so swiftly!
Early in the month we attended the Computers for Schools Plus AGM in St. John’s. Derm, Allan, and Mike from CFS Newfoundland were amazing east coast hosts. We had a fantastic time collaborating and team building with other affiliates in-person, especially during the Screech In! See you all next year in Saskatchewan!
NTT DATA won our “Technology for Good” award at our 2024 Donor Recognition event. This month we released a new "Stories from our Donors” video, featuring NTT DATA at their beautiful British Columbia office. Senior Vice President of Healthcare & Government, Canada, Trevor Anderson tells us why donating their end-of-corporate-life computer technology supports their company’s sustainability and social goals. Thank you NTT DATA for hosting and providing your valuable time to share your insights! You can watch the video below, and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel while you’re at it!
We had the absolute pleasure of collaborating with two incredible organizations on digital literacy programs that were both a huge success! Each session included training on how to use a computer for absolute beginners, and an introduction to using technology to communicate with schools and help newcomer parents support their children with homework. At the end of each program, each participant got to take home a laptop or desktop computer kit. We had so much fun collaborating on these programs with Coquitlam Public Library and Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House! We’re keen to do it again! If you’re interested in hosting a similar program, please contact keely@reusetechbc.ca.
This month we had another Lunch & Learn for our youth interns led by Matt Derksen. Matt did his CFS internship with us in 2013 and was promoted into our first Client Services role in 2014. He’s been working with the Surrey School District since leaving BC Tech and it was a full circle moment to have him share his insights on working within a school district, preparing for interviews and how remaining a continuous learner is necessary in any role. Thanks Matt!
We shared last month that there was some restructuring within our board of directors. Ted Pennell has now moved into the role of Vice-Chair. Read on to learn more about Ted and all the value he brings to our organization!
Meet Our Board
Vice-Chair: Ted Pennell
What is your role at BC Tech and what skills do you bring to the organization?
Much of my leadership experience has been concerning the use of technology in the K12 sector, although my last 5 years have been within higher education. I have an MBA in executive management with a specialization in consulting management and I understand firsthand the challenges schools face in embedding digital literacy into their teaching and learning.
When did you join BC Tech’s Board?
I joined the board of directors in 2022.
Why did you want to join the board of directors?
I support BC Technology for Learning Societies' vision of providing low-cost refurbished technology to BC-based non-profits, schools, and low-income individuals through work experience placements for youth. I feel like this is an area where I can add value and make a difference.
What impacts are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about the positive impact this organization has on non-profits, schools, and low-income individuals and the stories they tell of digital literacy and inclusion.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy time with my family and cycling with friends.
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