Electronics drive aims to help seniors, homeless

The world is dealing with a coronavirus pandemic, but difficult times often bring out the best in people. Neighbours help neighbours. Strangers help strangers. The Herald is highlighting things Calgarians are doing to lift each other’s spirits or make a difference during this challenging time.

Four university students are asking Calgarians to donate their old phones, laptops and tablets for a good cause.

The electronics will be donated to seniors homes and homeless individuals in self-isolation. Until May 29, the students will collect the devices, sanitize them, and get them to people in need at The Alex, Calgary Homeless Foundation and The Brenda Strafford Foundation.

Some seniors homes continue to have outbreaks and are under restrictions for visitors, and those who are homeless are at significant risk for COVID. Both groups are often socially isolated even without a pandemic to deal with, so the students decided to help by giving them the means to connect. Their goal is to reduce loneliness for 300 Calgarians, and have so far collected and processed more than 40 devices. But they are hoping the community will respond to their plea for more.

Anyone with devices to donate can visit, https://yyccovidelectronicsdrive.godaddysites.com, fill out the form and they will come pick it up. And they encourage Calgarians to help spread the word.

“We know these devices would make a world of difference to these people, but we’re having trouble getting the event to reach enough Calgarians,” said organizer Julia St. Amand.