computer access program

We are now asking for donations of working devices (laptops or tablets) from the community. If you have an old computer or tablet that doesn’t get much use in your home and has no functional issues with it, please consider donating it to folks in our community to support them in fulfilling their everyday basic needs. 

If you have a device to donate, you can drop it off at our office at 1507A McPhee Ave or you can get in touch with us by email at info@cvllc.ca to arrange pick up.   

reaching out

At our office, we host an Internet Café for folks who need access to the internet but don’t have the means to do so at home. But, to provide for the needs of seniors who may not be able to access services in public spaces due to risk of COVID-19 exposure, we launched the Computer Access Program (CAP). Through CAP, donated and refurbished laptops are given to seniors in our community who don’t own their own computer, don’t have the means to acquire one for themselves and would greatly benefit from owning one.  

ease of use

We recognize that managing a new device can be struggle for many seniors and that some recipients may well encounter roadblocks or have issues with their new computer at home. To encourage participation in CAP, we are offering three additional supports:  

1) All of the computers come with a custom desktop background which points out important links and buttons on the user interface, includes our instructional videos for using Skype, and prompts for safely shutting down the laptop.

2) Using stickers on the computer body and an accompanying flyer, we point out important buttons (like the ON button and volume buttons) and ports on the outside of the laptop, introducing each CAP participant to important parts on their device.

3) We offer an On Call Tech Support system with every computer. CAP participants can call in and receive tech help over the phone or over screenshare facilitated by Skype. 

THANK YOU to the United Way and the New Horizons for Seniors Program for their support in funding delivery of this valuable community support. Laptops were secured through the generous support of the BC Technology for Learning Society.