This is part of a year-long ‘Love for Local’ series called NB365: portraits of New Brunswick entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations. Huddle is a media partner with Love for Local. Today, we hear from Roy Crawford of CFSNB in Fredericton.

WE ARE A REGISTERED CHARITY THAT TAKES DONATED EQUIPMENT FROM GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE DONORS, REFURBISH THAT EQUIPMENT AND PROVIDE IT TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NON-PROFITS, AND LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES. WE EMPLOY YOUTH THROUGH THE HRSDC YES PROGRAM TO GIVE THEM VALUABLE TECHNOLOGY AND EMPLOYMENT SKILLS TO GET THEIR START ON A CAREER PATH.
Pre-pandemic, approximately 70% of computers in schools came from our program. We also work with non-profits to equip their staff and clients with access to technology that they may not be able to afford on their own, bridging the digital divide. We have also been involved in the Connecting Families Initiative by providing computers to families that qualified for the low-cost Internet packages provided by ISP’s.

The two main impacts we create are getting people access to technology and employment training for youth. Whether it is students in a classroom or helping someone who is housebound to have a virtual connection to the outside world, in 2021, access to technology is more important than ever.

Local organizations make a difference because they are usually operated by people who truly care about the community and strive to make a difference every day through what they do.