City News

Calgary-Based ERA Launches National Tech Drive to Bridge Canada's Digital Divide

From its Calgary base, the Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) launched a National Holiday Tech Drive on November 18, 2025. This ambitious initiative aims to mobilize dormant technology assets across Canada, reinforcing the digital backbone of over 500 Canadian charities and community institutions by providing them with renewed technology.

Bridging Calgary's Digital Divide

This nationwide call strongly resonates with Calgary's commitment to digital equity. The city's "Digital Equity Strategy" and "Affordable Hardware Access (AHA!)" program actively address disparities in tech access. ERA’s program directly enhances local efforts by equipping non-profits serving vulnerable populations—seniors, newcomers, youth, and low-income individuals—with essential refurbished devices like laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones. This aligns seamlessly with Calgary’s "Smart Calgary Strategy" and "Social Wellbeing Policy."

A Force Multiplier for Charities

"A refurbished device is not a charitable gesture; it is a force multiplier," states Bojan Paduh, ERA Founder. Founded in 2004, ERA is a national non-profit dedicated to advancing digital inclusion and environmental stewardship. Their recent partnership providing refurbished MacBooks to Canopy, an organization protecting ancient and endangered forests, exemplifies their commitment to circular-economy leadership and reducing e-waste.

Secure Donations, Lasting Impact

Corporations can donate various IT equipment, including laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones, monitors, printers, and gaming systems. The ERA ensures all data is meticulously erased using ISO-certified destruction standards (ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001). This secure process transforms idle assets into vital tools, empowering charities to expand their impact and strengthen social capacity across Canada, fostering a more resilient and inclusive community.