Used Smartphone and Tablet Donations Needed for COVID-Isolated Seniors in Medicine Hat
Contributed
Project Joy has helped 1100 Alberta seniors access technology for virtual visits during the pandemic, but many care homes remain on the waiting list. Donate used devices at London Drugs before January 10th.
Since quarantine measures first came into effect at seniors care facilities throughout the province, Project Joy has been overwhelmed with requests for used tablets and smartphones to help senior residents connect virtually with loved-ones over the holidays. Many care providers in Medicine Hat are now on the waiting list to receive donated devices.
The Alberta charity is asking Medicine Hat residents to drop off old tablets and smartphones at any London Drugs location in Alberta before January 10th. The devices will be sanitized, cleared of all personal data, refurbished, and then provided to care homes with step-by-step guides for staff to help residents have virtual visits with family.
“If you got an upgraded smartphone or tablet for Christmas, or you have a previous generation device sitting at home in a drawer, it could be a lifeline for seniors who have been in isolation for months. Virtual gatherings and video chats can give them a muchneeded sense of connection to family right now since in-person visits are restricted,” says Emily Jenks, Founder of Project Joy.
Since Project Joy announced a pre-holiday device drive, over 180 used devices have been donated at London Drugs, providing approximately 1100 seniors in the province access to the technology for potential virtual visits from family members.
“Project Joy started with the desire to bring comfort to a few seniors at one care home. It has grown into a province-wide effort to combat loneliness and social isolation among our most vulnerable community members. The generosity of Albertans endures even in such uncertain times. It is truly inspiring,” says Emily Jenks.
All 22 London Drugs locations in Alberta are accepting used smartphones and tablets for donation until January 10th, 2021. With the help of care facility workers, each donated device can be used by up to ten seniors to send and receive video calls, photos, and video messages.
The following devices are being accepted for donation to Project Joy at all London Drugs locations in Alberta:
• Apple iPad / iPhone
♦ iPhone 5 or newer
♦ iPad Gen 3 or newer
♦ Must be unlinked from Apple ID and iCloud Account and reset to factory settings
♦ Remove protective case
♦ Charger included if possible
• Android Phone / Tablet
♦ Age 4 years or newer
♦ Must be unlinked from any management account and reset to factory settings
♦ Remove protective case
♦ Charger included if possible
Laptops, since they are more difficult to sanitize, are not being accepted as part of the device drive.