Siemens Canada and CFCC Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Laptop Donation Program With Virtual Workshop
January 7, 2021
For a decade Siemens has been donating and partnering with CFCC to refurbish redundant employee laptops, providing access to technology for organizations and individuals in need. The company marked the 10-year milestone with a special Covid-safe virtual workshop recently in which more than 30 Siemens employees and their families helped to prepare 100 laptops at home for donation. Charities benefitting include FoodShare Toronto, North York Community House, Access Alliance, and students in need in the Peel District School Board.
“What better way to celebrate a decade of service to our communities than to ensure we ramp up efforts even more so when it matters most during this challenging time,” said Faisal Kazi, President and CEO, Siemens Canada. “Our employees and their passion for this program have driven it from day one, and their efforts have connected thousands of Canadians to the online resources and tools they require to succeed.”
This most recent contribution brings the total number of donated laptops to 4,600 since 2010. During that time more than 735 volunteers have dedicated 5,880 hours of their time to support the program that is facilitated by Corporations for Community Connections (CFCC).
Quotes from charity partners:
“North York Community House works with newcomers, refugees, and low-income communities in north west Toronto. Many of the families we serve have little or no access to devices which puts tremendous strain on children and youth who need to attend school online. The donation of laptops to students in our community will not only ensure that young people can fully participate in online education but will also help them stay connected to their peers and access programs to help them get through this crisis.” – Elizabeth Molina, Manager, Children, Youth and Family, North York Community House
“Heartfelt thanks to Siemens and Corporations for Community Connections for their generous donation of refurbished computers to the FoodShare team. Many of our staff members have been working remotely since mid-March, and this donation will help our team continue to deliver programs combating food insecurity in our community, and advocating for food justice for all.”- Peter Jellard, Technical Support Coordinator, FoodShare Toronto
“Providing services online is vital to helping our clients get through this difficult time. But without proper devices, the most vulnerable populations we serve will be left out. We are appreciative that Siemens and CFCC sent us quality laptops to help fill the gap. Our clients and their families can now access crucial services that we and other organizations provide to keep them safe, healthy and connected during the pandemic.” – Serena Nudel, MSW, Program Manager, Mental Health and Wellness, Access Alliance
“The Peel District School Board is grateful for the donations of laptops from Siemens Canada through Corporations For Community Connections. The Peel District School Board has over 155,000 students, the need for technology is great, particularly in a remote learning environment. All the laptops that get donated go through our refurbishing program and quickly get delivered to identified students to assist with their learning. The impact for these students is significant, as it helps support equity to technology.” – Mark Marshall , Assistant Chief Information Officer, Peel District School Board
