Gift of computers 'game changer' for charities

More than 3500 computers have been gifted to Christchurch charities over the last nine years in a scheme that has been hailed as a game changer by charities.

Christchurch City Council's Computers to the Community Scheme will mark 10 years next year, and by then, will have donated almost 4000 former Council computers for use with charity organisations.

The scheme, which began with a simple question from a Council staff member, can now boast some remarkable figures and feedback.

Council Community Development Adviser Maryanne Lomax said a query to her management in 2007 led to the establishment of the nearly decade old programme.

Peter McGlinchey tests out one of the laptops gifted to the Blind Foundation.

“We started doing this in 2007. The Council used to sell off all the older computers that had been through the replacement process to staff but they didn’t get much money for the old machines. So I went to the managers and asked if they would consider donating them to charities. They agreed and so we went from there. The first ones that we gave out were in 2007 and we’ve just grown from there,” Ms Lomax said.

“We’ve now had about 3500 computers that have been put back into the community for free.”

The computers are available through an applications process to Council. Only Not for Profit groups can apply, and all the computers are completely cleared before they are given out.

“All the computers are ones that are due for replacement as part of the Council’s replacement process,” Ms Lomax said. “Most of the recipients just cannot believe it. They’re incredibly grateful.”

The Blind Foundation in Christchurch were recently the recipients of 12 laptops retired from the Council.

Adaptive Communications Instructor Peter McGlinchey said the programme was a lifesaver for charities struggling for fundraising dollars.

“A lot of our clients just don’t fit into an area where they can get funding because they aren’t in work or study, so as a charitable organisation, we have to rely on programmes exactly like Computers to the Community in order to get them the resources they need,” Mr McGlinchey said. “Programmes like this allow us to take pressure off other funding, freeing it up, so they really do have an impact on our organisation.”

Mr McGlinchey said having access to a computer made a huge difference to his client’s independence.

“It’s not a toy for them, it’s a link to the outside world, to training and potentially working. Having access to a computer can be a stepping stone to work. We install touch typing software on the computers and teach clients how to use them.”

The Blind Foundation has about 1200 members locally, and a total of about 2000 members throughout the region which reaches to the top of the South Island.

“It’s been a great service for us and for our clients. We’ve certainly got our names down for the future – we’re very keen to make use of the programme,'' Mr McGlinchey said.

If you are interested in accessing the scheme, contact Maryanne.lomax@ccc.govt.nz