Just Ask / Sarah Tesla
Picture this: You’re trying to apply for a job online, check your email for a rental application, or reconnect with family through video chat—but you don’t have a computer or cell phone. Or maybe you have one but struggle with using the applications and don’t know who to ask for help.
For many on the Sunshine Coast, this is a daily struggle. Digital exclusion—barriers to devices, the internet, and skills—is a quiet issue that limits opportunities for connection, education, and even basic services. Enter the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre’s Computer Kindness Corner.
Computer Kindness
Tucked inside the Resource Centre, the Computer Kindness Corner is all about connection—both technological and human. It’s a drop-off point for laptops, tablets, and phones that have outlived their usefulness for some but can become lifelines for others. Community members can donate gently used devices, complete with charger cables, to help others access the tools they need to thrive online. If you’ve recently upgraded to a new device or received one as a gift, consider donating your old one to make a meaningful impact.
Once donations are received, the real magic begins. Volunteers from the trailblazing Sunshine Coast Computer Kindness Program expertly refurbish working, unlocked devices, preparing them to be provided to those who need them most—at little to no cost.
Get Digital Support
The kindness doesn’t stop there for those unsure how to use these tools. The Resource Centre and local libraries offer in-person tech help appointments to guide people in using their devices effectively. Whether it’s learning to send an email, browse the internet, or complete online forms, there’s help for every step.
If you or someone you know needs in-person tech help, here’s where to turn:
- Sunshine Coast Resource Centre (Sechelt): Support with online forms, website navigation, and digital skills. Drop in Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (107A–5710 Teredo St., Sechelt).
- Gibsons Public Library: Free half-hour tech help appointments. Call 604-886-2130 to book (470 South Fletcher Rd., Gibsons).
- Sechelt Public Library: Tech Education Coordinator can assist with smartphones, computers, and library resources. Call 604-885-3260 (5797 Cowrie St., Sechelt).
- WorkBC Centre (Sechelt): Free computer, phone, printer access, and funding for assistive technology. Call 604-885-3351 (5674 Cowrie St., Sechelt).
Building Equity
The Resource Centre also advocates for digital equity—a term that might sound fancy but just means fair access for all. Digital equity ensures that everyone, regardless of age, income, or ability, has a chance to participate fully in our increasingly online world. That means affordable internet, functional devices, and access to learning digital skills. To learn more about our digital equity and inclusion work, visit our website and download our Digital Inclusion Guide.
How to Donate
If you have a used unlocked phone, tablet, or laptop in working order that you would like to donate to our Computer Kindness Program, we welcome your contribution at the Resource Centre during our drop-in hours, Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Important note: We cannot accept devices that are locked or non-functional. Please recycle any non-working devices at your local recycling centre.
If you or someone you know needs help navigating digital resources on the Sunshine Coast or wants to learn more about available resources, contact us at help@resourcecentre.ca, call 604-885-4088, or visit us at resourcecentre.ca to search our directory or download our Digital Inclusion Guide.