Free Geek Toronto is a technology reuse non-profit organization that uses unwanted electronics and computers to increase access to technology, offer employment and training opportunities, and reduce the environmental impact of technology.
In the current crisis, what would you do without access to streaming video? Online classrooms? Video conference calls with friends and family?
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a stark reality: technology is not a luxury, it is a necessity. That’s why digital inclusion has been at the heart of Free Geek Toronto’s mission from day one and why our provincial government has listed technology as an essential service.
It’s also why the decision to temporarily suspend the majority of our operations in mid-March until we could ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, and community was the hardest one we’ve ever had to make.
Every week we’re closed threatens not only our ability to serve our community but our future as an organization. As is the case for most not-for-profits, covering our costs in fair weather times is a challenge. The economic uncertainty brought on by the pandemic has greatly amplified this.
As we adapt to these new circumstances, we need to throw aside the “Do it yourself” mentality and embrace a “Do it with others” mindset―at a safe, physical distance.
Since suspending our operations we’ve been exploring practical solutions that will allow us to safely connect community members with the technology they desperately need while keeping our staff and volunteers safe.
The need for us to provide our community with access to affordable technology has never been more important. That is why we have made the decision to partially re-open Free Geek Toronto and resume limited operations on April 22, 2020.
To do this, we need your help.
Your donation to Free Geek Toronto supports us to pivot our operations in order to safely resume distributing essential technology. Each gift will help us find, equip, and deliver on new methods to serve our community, while also keeping everyone safe as our top priority.
Please consider making a donation to help us meet our goal of re-opening Free Geek Toronto on April 22, 2020.
