TORONTO, ON (Oct. 17, 2021) — Free Geek Toronto is proud to announce it has received an Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilience Communities Fund grant of $31,800 to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 by resuming our volunteer refurbishment program by hiring a part-time coordinator to provide training and support and increasing site safety. A virtual event celebrating the grant was held on October 17, 2021.
The Resilience Grant allows Free Geek Toronto to ensure its downtown Toronto storefront, technology reuse/refurbishment activities and other operations continue successfully as demand increases following reopening. The grant supports Free Geek in the hiring of a volunteer coordinator, the safer socially distanced handling of donated computer items, and in exploring at-home refurbishment activities.
“Demand for low-cost computers has been steadily increasing since we resumed operations this summer, and this OTF grant will allow us to not only ensure we have the appropriate resources and volunteers in place but also to do so safely with COVID-19 measures in place,” said Ryan Fukunaga, Free Geek Toronto Executive Director.
Free Geek Toronto is a not-for-profit technology reuse organization focusing on promoting a circular economy, extending the life of products and reducing our reliance on virgin materials. Free Geek seeks out unwanted electronics for reuse and refurbishment, selling them at accessible prices or ethically recycling items that cannot be reused or refurbished. Free Geek Toronto also works with partners to increase digital inclusion in our city. More information and details on the grant recognition event can be found at freegeektoronto.org.
The mission of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is to build healthy and vibrant communities throughout Ontario by investing in community-based initiatives and strengthening the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector.
Media Contact:
Ryan Fukunaga, Executive Director
Free Geek Toronto
416-572-3737 | info@freegeektoronto.org
