NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE
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It will be easier for up to 250 Guelph residents to have access to much needed support and keep connected with their friends, family and loved ones thanks to a pilot program that will see mobile devices and accessories donated, refurbished and distributed to community members in need.
The devices – donated through the Guelph Community Health Centre’s (CHC) ‘Get Connected’ phone drive that launched in March 2021 – were prepared in part for redistribution with the Guelph Tool Library, a not-for-profit organization that supports refurbishing used technology to redistribute to the community.
Freedom Mobile provided 150 mobile devices to the organization and is providing each user with six months of unlimited talk, text, and 10 GB of data at no additional cost. Local business Fusion Homes also donated used devices such as phones, tablets and laptops to the program, and other phones, SIM cards and talk and text plans were donated or purchased through WOW! mobile boutique.
“The need for digital equity has become particularly important over the pandemic, when we were asked to stay home,” says Hannah Senitt, Volunteer and Student Coordinator at Guelph CHC as well as Team Lead for the ‘Get Connected’ project. “In addition to maintaining social connections, mobile devices help clients access community programs or supports and attend virtual health care appointments.”
The devices are being distributed to clients facing financial, physical or social barriers through staff at Guelph Wellington Women in Crisis, County of Wellington, Compass Community Services and Guelph CHC. To obtain support, clients need to be added to the wait list directly by their [care] worker at one of Guelph CHC’s partner agencies.
In addition to phones, laptops and other devices have also been donated. Some were redistributed directly to clients, and the remainder will be used for future programming with the Guelph Public Library.
“The interest in this program is continuing to grow, and it really is wonderful to see businesses and community members stepping up to help by donating technology,” says Christal Lang, ‘Get Connected’ Coordinator at Guelph CHC. “As the pilot program draws to a close, we are actively looking for corporate sponsors, partnerships and funding to expand the program to help us reach even more individuals in need and support the Guelph community.”
Organizations interested in supporting this initiative can contact Kate Vsetula, Director of Community and Organizational Development at [email protected]
The pilot program was made possible through a grant from the United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin. Device donations are still accepted Guelph Tool Library’s ‘Good Call’ program, with drop-off locations throughout the city.
