Let's reBOOT Ottawa! will make hundreds of recycled, refurbished computers and laptops available for sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is being held at St. Paul/s-Eastern United Church at the corner of Cumberland and Daly. This location was chosen because of the church's downtown location and because of the work the church does with low income residents and students.

The Minister of Culture for the government of Ontario, The Hon. Madame Meilleur, representing Vanier, has been invited to attend the official launch which is set for 11:30 a.m.

Hundreds of used computers, laptops and accessories have been collected and refurbished by CompuCorps Mentoring's computer volunteers over the summer. Microsoft Canada has kindly donated their Windows 2000 and Office 2000 Professional software for each system. They will be available for sale with all the proceeds dedicated to supporting technology for charities and their clients including the disadvantaged and students throughout the Ottawa region.

reBOOT Ottawa, a non profit service of CompuCorps Mentoring, champions the re-use of technology, the reduction of electronic waste and the elimination of the digital divide. They carry out their mission by soliciting donations of reusable computer equipment from both the public and private sectors, refurbishing it and then distributing to other registered charities and their clients for a small administrative fee.

CompuCorps’ other nonprofit service, the TechMentor IT Volunteer Service, provides technical projects so charities can employ modern solutions to achieve their goals. TechMentors deliver short term projects for charities by creating websites, developing databases and networking offices.

"Diverting donated computers from the solid waste stream and refurbishing them for re-use in the community is a sound strategy for both the community and the environment." says CompuCorps' Executive Director, William Marvel. "Electronic waste or e-waste is reaching 100 million units a year worldwide and may contain significant quantities of hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Trashing used computers when companies or government upgrade their systems is a shame when so many in our community including students, New Canadians and NGO's require their use to gain equal access to opportunities within our information society."

CompuCorps Mentoring welcomes everyone at the Let's reBOOT Ottawa! event on Saturday, October 23rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Paul's-Eastern United Church - corner of Cumberland and Daly (just off Rideau St.).
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Browse and pick up a low cost desktop computer or laptop and support the development of your community. Interested volunteers or companies are asked to contact us at (613) 234-8988 or through our website by visiting: www.rebootottawa.ca