Computer Recycling Program

COMPUTER RECYCLING PROGRAM

HISTORY OF COMPUTERS FOR KIDS NETWORK

Computers for Kids Network was founded in the province of Ontario, in the city of Cornwall, in October of 2004 by Judy Rose, an Early Childhood Educator, and owner of A Child's Secret Garden Daycare Inc.

Donna Ryan, a client of Judy’s, approached her early in 2000 with the idea to partner with an existing Computers for Kids program in Penetanguishene, Ontario. This program was refurbishing computers to donate to children from low-income families. Both women agreed that it was a worthwhile project and contacted Doug Baird, the brains behind the organization in his city. Doug agreed to become a partner and the process of developing a chapter in Cornwall began. A partnership seemed eminent. However, it was not to be. Not many people were interested in helping the two women who had wanted to bring this program locally. The idea was abandoned, but not forgotten.

Judy’s daycare clients come from a variety of professions – lawyers, firefighters, computer technicians, and teachers. This diversity of clientele enabled her to approach a manager of a computer store to sell to him the idea of establishing the same kind of organization here in Cornwall. The store manager, John Joubert, agreed it was a worthwhile venture, and decided to do his part to help get the project started.

All of the elements seemed to be in place: a Founder, a location to house the project, and a partner who would be able to connect businesses with us in order to start the project. Timing did not allow for the project to begin. Both Judy and John were involved in other matters and could not devote the time needed to begin the project.

Fast forward to the summer of 2004. Judy still believed in the concept so strongly. She approached John once again to determine if he was still interested in helping start this organization. John agreed and soon, the Computers for Kids Network was officially launched. John contacted businesses in the area and they agreed to donate their used computer systems to the Computer for Kids Network. Soon, by way of advertising, the community became aware of Computers for Kids Network, and partners were added: Academy of Learning, Nottin Otter Computer Center, RevVvedUp Entertainment, Cornwallites.ca, and the Upper Canada Leger Center for Education and Training. A Board of Directors was established in 2005. We were able to donate our first computer system to a deserving child in time for Christmas. In our first year, we donated approximately 15 – 20 computer systems.

Our partnership with Upper Canada Leger Center for Education and Training is enabling us to donate 50 computers a week this year for a total of over 2000 computers.

Our mandate is to put a computer in the hands of every child in order that they may compete with their peers, empower them with the skills they will need in future to be successful in school. With our community partners, we are able to meet our goals for the children.

BOARD MEMBERS:

Judy Rose, Founder and President

John Joubert, Vice President

Cathy Doyle-Parent, Treasurer

Brian Watson, Secretary

To date, we have donated approximately 500 computer systems to children from low income families. The public response to this program has been overwhelming. We would like to thank all of the many businesses and individuals who have donated their old systems to the Computers for Kids Network program. The children appreciate your generosity.

If you are planning to throw out your old system, or, if you are planning to upgrade to a new one, please consider donating your gently used system to the Computers for Kids Network. We will recycle the computer and match it with a child on our waiting list. A child is waiting.

Full and part-time enrollment available.

We are a not-for-profit daycare dedicated to the

healthy development of your child.

EMAIL US: info@secretgardendaycare.com

This website is proudly sponsored by: Cornwallites.ca, a division of revVvedUP.com

Some graphics courtesy of Pat's Web Graphics...thank you Pat