Computers needed for local charities even more during tougher times

Donation Requests Pour in despite Dry Spell in Equipment Donations for Local Non-Profit

Slow start to summer means long waitlist and unfulfilled donation requests for many Canadian charities

CALGARY, July 30, 2015 /CNW/ - Bojan Paduh, Founder and President of the Electronic Recycling Association (ERA), released a statement today asking the public to consider donating their unwanted or retiring computer equipment to ERA so it may be refurbished for donation to numerous Canadian charities in need of computers.

"It has been a unique several months," said Paduh. "Requests for computer donations are coming in as usual but we aren't receiving the same amount of retiring corporate equipment, so we can't keep up" he added. "Some of our charitable partners have been waiting for over six weeks for a donation, but right now we simply don't have the equipment to help them."

ERA relies on donated computer equipment, which they clean, test and refurbish for secondary use. Much of what ERA is able to reuse is then donated to Canadian charitable organizations and non-profits. Throughout the summer months ERA typically sees a slowdown in equipment donations, but Paduh notes that this year is even slower than usual.

"We have been around for over ten years now, so we have some long-term partners who have come to rely on us for their computer equipment," said Paduh, "but we can't refurbish and donate equipment we aren't receiving."

The organization is reaching out to the public for help. "Most people have old equipment stored somewhere. Even if it isn't working, our techs can often fix it or use parts to build operational computers," said Paduh. "It doesn't cost anything, it frees up valuable storage space, we always ensure data security as our top priority and many times we can even come pick up equipment for free."

Corporate pickups can be booked online or by contacting ERA, full information can be found at www.era.ca. Equipment may also be dropped off at ERA's various depots, also listed online.

About the Electronics Recycling Association
Established in 2004, ERA is a non-profit organization committed to reducing the environmental impact of improperly discarded toxic electronic waste by offering accessible services to help corporations and individuals manage their retiring IT assets. ERA offers industry leading data erasure services, prompt and professional corporate pickup services and detailed reporting. With reuse being ERA's top priority, every item that is received is examined for any remaining productive life and, if possible, refurbished for reuse. True end of life items are transferred to accredited recyclers where a nil landfill contribution can be assured. ERA is committed to supporting local charities and individuals in need through their comprehensive, Canada-wide technology donation program.

SOURCE Electronic Recycling Association

For further information: Media Contact: Kristi Gartner, Electronic Recycling Association, Tel: [phone] ext. 104, Email: [email protected]