Siemens Canada donates nearly 100 laptops to The Salvation Army in Fredericton

Almost 100 laptops are getting a second life in Fredericton, heading to homes in need thanks to Siemens Canada. The computers were delivered to The Salvation Army last week and some have already arrived in their new homes.

Siemens Canada, an engineering and technology company, employs over 4,500 people, and like most corporations, routinely upgrades its equipment. Formerly, replaced computers would have their hard drives wiped, and be sent to a recycler. In 2010, members of the company developed a process to refurbish the computers and donate them to local charities for distribution to homes that would have a great use for the equipment. Those members also created a not-for-profit called Corporations for Community Connections (CFCC) as a way to spread this idea.

Major Judy Goudie, Corps Officer in Fredericton, says that almost from the moment the computers were in their possession, Community and Family Services Director Janet Thomas began distributing them to their new homes.

“Janet knows the clientele very well and knew a few who would benefit greatly right away,” Major Goudie says. “It’s amazing that we were able to get these computers from Siemens Canada, and the clientele here in Fredericton – who otherwise would not have a computer – is definitely going to benefit.”

These days, families can utilize computers for a litany of reasons. For Major Goudie, one of the biggest benefits is to families with school-aged children, trying to keep up with their peers in the classroom in the information age.

“Having a computer is so necessary for children at school, they have become essential,” Major Goudie says. “There are not too many children today who don’t have a computer, except of course for those who cannot afford one. These children would have to go the library or some alternative option. But now, to have their own computer at their home, that’s a great thing.”

The lot of computers donated to Fredericton represents one third of Siemens’ total donation in 2014. Laptops were also given out in Tillsonburg, Ont, and Montreal.

“From students to new immigrants, these laptops make a difference in thousands of people’s lives and we are proud this initiative has helped improve communities across the country,” Robert Hardt, President and CEO of Siemens Canada, said in a release.

Since the program’s inception in 2010, nearly 900 laptops have been donated by the company.