By Jasminee Sahoye

A non-profit organization that has been making it possible for thousands of low income families to have access to the internet and own their own computers is seeking your assistance.

The Heritage Skills Development Centre (HSDC) in Scarborough East, which has been in existence since 1993 is requesting donations of unwanted new and gently used laptops and desktop computers and their accessories to continue providing its services. It is also accepting office equipment such as printers, photo copier, fax machine and scanner.

The organization, which started out to support people of African origin has expanded over the years to support people of all ethnic origin.

According to HSDC’s Program Coordinator, Roseangela Cyril-Hache, the organization provides free computer classes and classes for persons interested in starting up a small business. They also provide internet facilities to young students who have homework assignments. They also provide classes in basic sewing and fashion design, crime prevention, AIDS/HIV awareness program, social support and transition program and food and nutrition training.

“The donated computers will be used to upgrade our PC lab, some will be donated to at-risk, single mothers, senior citizens, marginalized and new immigrant families while others will be upgraded and sold at a highly subsidized rate. Proceeds will be used to support our free computer/ Internet training activities that have enabled over 12,750individuals to upgrade their skills, learn new computer skills, get jobs and/ or enable students to perform homework assignments. Also the donated PCs enable our clients to conduct small businesses and / or connect with their loved ones in the community and overseas,” said Youth Program Coordinator, Madeline Nwokeji.

She added that depending on the size of the donation and in line with the organization’s donor recognition policy, HSDC will acknowledge your kind donation of over 5 PCs (that are in good working conditions) in all its publicity and promotional materials, including on its website.

If you are willing to support a worthy cause, please drop-off your donation at the HSDC office at 400 McCowan Road, Ground Floor, Scarborough.

For more information, call 416-345-1613 or visit www.hsdconline.org