Siemens Canada donates almost 300 refurbished laptops to Canadian charities

Over the last two months a dedicated group of Siemens volunteers gave a new life to hundreds of used laptop computers. Almost 300 laptops were donated to make a difference in the local communities where Siemens employees live and work. The donation was divided among the communities of Montreal, Quebec Tillsonburg, Ontario and Fredericton, New Brunswick. 

The Siemens decommissioned laptops went through a refurbishment process which involved re-staging, cleaning and testing of the devices, in order to make them functional for those in need. The volunteer workshops were held at Siemens offices in Ontario and Quebec, and were conducted by Corporations for Community Connections (CFCC), with contributions from Atos and Siemens.

The laptops were distributed by The Salvation Army to organizations and families in need, in each of these communities. The total value of this donation was more than $80,000.

Since 2010, Siemens Canada has donated almost 900 personal computers, mostly laptops, to 28 Canadian charitable organizations helping more than 7,000 people. The program involved more than 200 Siemens volunteers who dedicated 1,400 hours.

In addition to changing people’s lives, the refurbishment process of the laptops benefits our environment. It extends the useful life of the laptops, which ultimately reduces CO₂ emissions and landfill. The Siemens laptop re-purposing program contributed to Siemens recognition as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers.

Lois Flemming, Territorial Director, Major Gifts & Planned Giving, The Salvation Army, says  “The dedication and commitment of Siemens employees to support local communities, such as Montreal, Tillsonburg and Fredericton, is exceptional. Thanks to the generosity of supporters such as Siemens, we are giving hope to vulnerable youth and families for a better future.”