Computer donation program delivers

The program is a partnership between Kootenay Computer, Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce and the Salvation Army.

From left to right: Major Kirk Green, Nancy Lemire, Shawn Swanson, Sebastiaan van der Horst, David D. Hull. — Photo: Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce

The Cranbrook Computer Donation Program has delivered the first batch of computers to the Salvation Army for distribution.  The refurbished computers will help families in Cranbrook bridge the digital divide.

The program is a partnership between Kootenay Computer, Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce and the Salvation Army. To date the program has provided 14 computers.

“The first computers went to newly arrived refugees in Kimberley and Cranbrook and local service providers including the Women’s Resource Centre and the Boys and Girls Club,’ said Kootenay Computer’s Sebastiaan van der Horst, “and now the Salvation Army has computers ready for distribution.”

“The digital divide is very real and it certainly creates a barrier to those than cannot afford a computer,” said Van der Horst. “To apply for a job, register for a program, complete homework or check the transit schedule requires a computer. We are doing our part to help where we can.”

The program has committed to a minimum of 50 computers being available per year. There is still a considerable need for donated equipment especially flat screen monitors, keyboards and mice.

Those wishing to avail themselves of the program should contact Nancy Lemire at the Salvation Army at (250) 426-3612.