In November last year, local not-for-profit Computers 4 Learning (C4L) received a Kedron-Wavell Community Grant to kick off their Diggers go Digital initiative.
Fast forward to now and the project is already making waves – changing lives for the better, one computer at a time.
Janet from C4L said they decided to wait until the start of the 2025 school year before promoting Diggers go Digital.
“It turned out to be the right call,” Janet said. “Demand for our refurbished student laptops was enormous. It quadrupled on last year!”
Once the back-to-school rush calmed, the focus shifted to supporting veterans. The first recipient under the Diggers initiative was Tim Cuming, founder and President of SMEAC, a group dedicated to veteran welfare. Tim’s computer had died and a replacement was vital to keeping SMEAC running. Thanks to C4L and the Kedron-Wavell grant, he was soon back online.
Then, a small advertisement in VetAffairs (the Department of Veterans’ Affairs publication) saw demand skyrocket.
“We refurbished and dispatched over 40 computers in about three weeks,” Janet said. “Our little team of volunteers really stepped up to get them out quickly.”
The good news? There are still some PCs available for eligible veterans under the Diggers go Digital program. The challenge now lies in keeping up with demand.
How You Can Help Keep the Program Running
Between the back-to-school surge and the veterans’ program, C4L is running low – especially on laptops. That’s where you come in!
With Windows 11 rolling out, many households and businesses will be upgrading their tech. Instead of storing your old devices in a cupboard (or worse – throwing them out), why not donate them?
“We’ve got a brilliant team of IT techs who can breathe new life into donated computers,” Janet said. “Every refurbished device helps a student in need or a veteran stay connected.”
Got an old laptop or PC to spare? Help make a difference today.
Email requests@computers4learning.org.au – your unused computer could help change a life.
Read more stories from the Chermside Guide’s print magazine here:
- Podcast Review: Behind the B@stards
- Winter Family Movies
- Reflect And Recharge For A Meaningful Mid-Year Reset
- Organic Gardening in July
- Garden Show Plants Seeds for Family Fun
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Chermside Connect: Updates from the Community
- Nundah’s Royal Quarters Welcomes ‘Nightbird’ Album Launch
- Blast Off with Space Dangers at Chermside Library
- Celebrating 125 Years of Chermside State School
- Join Citizens Auxiliary For a Prize-Filled Afternoon
- Orielle Reaches New Heights
- A Century of Guiding Preserved in Local Archive
- Herman’s Hermits World Tour
- Kedron’s Battle with Floodwaters
- From Trash to Treasure
- New Memoir Reflects on Brisbane’s Baby Boomer Years
