Surrey firefighters partner with BC Tech to deliver refurbished laptops to students in need, helping bridge Surrey’s digital divide.
Community Partnership Sparks Digital Access
After more than three decades of community service, the Surrey Firefighters Charitable Society (SFFCS) has expanded its mission to tackle a growing modern need—digital access for students. Partnering with the BC Technology for Learning Society (BC Tech), the firefighters have begun delivering refurbished laptops to families across the Surrey School District.
Addressing a Growing Educational Need
The initiative began in response to the rising cost of technology and the increasing reliance on digital learning tools in classrooms. “Now it’s a necessity in the home,” said Dylan Van Rooyen, president of SFFCS. Since the pandemic, platforms like Microsoft Teams have become vital to both classroom and remote learning, noted Annie Ohana, a teacher at L.A. Matheson Secondary School.
How the Partnership Works
BC Tech supplies high-quality refurbished laptops at a fraction of retail prices, allowing the firefighters to purchase and distribute more devices. Teachers and administrators identify students most in need, and SFFCS personally delivers the laptops. “There’s an energy shift in the room when a laptop is brought in, and a student knows it is for them,” Van Rooyen said.
Impact Beyond the Classroom
The benefits extend beyond students. Families are using the laptops for job applications, communication, and online learning. “Students have the same opportunity to learn at the same pace as their friends when they continue learning outside the classroom,” said Gary Tymoschuk, chair of the Surrey Board of Education.
Milestone Achieved, More to Come
In just one year, the partnership has delivered nearly 1,000 laptops to Surrey families. Both organizations hope to expand the program further, inviting businesses to donate unused technology to BC Tech for refurbishment and reuse.
To learn how to donate or get involved, visit reusetechbc.ca.
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