There’s a lot to be proud of as we look back over the past year.

From our start in the Junction to our current location in Parkdale, we continue to grow in ways big and small. Our bustling Thrift Shop sells low-cost technology to hundreds of customers every month (over the years, we’ve refurbished more than 2,000 computers) and, as an OES-certified reuse/refurbish centre, we can accept more than 30 types of electronics.

As an Employment Social Enterprise, Free Geek Toronto provides supported training, employment and mentorship to community members seeking to enhance their skills and employability. Over the years, we’re proud to have supported close to 50 participants through employment opportunities and training.

Regeneration, reuse, and recycling are core Free Geek values that also form the basis of the circular economy. In the coming years, managing and reducing electronic waste and the planned obsolescence of much of our technology will become increasingly pressing issues for the communities we support. We’ll continue using Free and Open Source Software to put technology back into circulation while ensuring e-waste is recycled responsibly to help not only our communities but the environment as well.

This past year saw us grow in a lot of ways and we’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished with our community partners. Next year on April 22—Earth Day,  2020—the Free Geek movement will celebrate its 20th year. We’re excited to see where we take Free Geek Toronto in the next ten years! 

 

Valery, Niral, Duncan, Katie, Brian, Hana, Neil, Mandy, and Reni

Free Geek Toronto Board of Directors