Monthly Update - April 2025
One month into the new fiscal year and we have hit the ground running with 531 computers distributed. The need for devices doesn’t let up, and as is such, neither does the need for those who refurbish them! We welcomed Kyle and Collin to our team of hardware technicians this month and look forward to working with them.
Our next round of hiring will be for a July start date. You can read our eligibility criteria and submit your application by visiting reusetechbc.ca/cfs-internship.
Thanks to the donors who helped to start this fiscal year off strong, including recurring donors from Government of Canada departments, NTT Data, City of Vancouver, Arista Networks, Capilano University, TELUS, YVR, and Douglas College. We would also like to extend our thanks to new donors this month from Burnaby Division of Family Practice, Rocket Mortgage Canada, JS Operating Company, and Next Gen I.T.
BC Tech partnered with ISACA Vancouver and Skills Canada BC Competition to support two separate technology events for youth in April:
Equipment was provided for the Young Defenders of the North High School Hackathon hosted by ISACA Vancouver Chapter. These devices allowed 65 high school students to participate in this year’s event which is designed to challenge and inspire the next generation of cyber leaders. The hackathon is in mission alignment with BC Tech to support new learning opportunities for youth in technology and digital skills.
For over 15 years we have supplied equipment for Skills Canada BC competitors to participate in technology competitions like I.T. network systems administration, web design, and web development. This is always an amazing event to attend and see our equipment in use as well as the many other cool competitions. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, and the event organizers on another successful event. See you again next year!
If you have a hackathon or other technology event planned, please reach out to us! We would love to discuss how we can support your organization.
Coming up with BC Tech for Learning
Office closures - Our office will be closed on Monday, May 19 for Victoria Day.
It’s time for another Meet Our Board segment. This time, we would like to introduce you to Peter Smailes, who joined our board just last year. We met Peter through his position at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, where he serves as their VP of Administration. KPU won the “Environmental Sustainability” Award at our 2023 Donor Recognition Event. We look forward to welcoming donors back to our 2025 event in June.
Meet Our Board
Director: Peter Smailes
What is your role at BC Tech and what skills do you bring to the organization?
I am a Board Director. My main skills are finance and governance. I am an accountant by training and an experienced Board member. I currently serve on three Boards, one of them as the Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee.
When did you join BC Tech’s Board?
I was asked by a colleague to attend a BC Technology for Learning event to accept an award on behalf of my organization, Kwantlen Polytechnic University. I was so impressed by BC Technology for Learning that I asked to join the Board.
Why did you want to join the board of directors?
I believe it is important to give back to the community and joining a volunteer Board is one of the ways I can use my skills to do something good.
What impacts are you most excited about?
I like the triple role of BC Technology for Learning in saving technology from the landfill, helping those that cannot afford to go out and buy a new computer and giving young people work experience.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy riding my bicycle, traveling and cooking.
What is the best piece of professional advice you ever received?
Don’t worry about your job title or salary. If you enjoy your work and work hard, good things will happen. I have followed this advice and have had a wonderful career.
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