About Computers for Schools

 

Computers for Schools (CFS) is a unique national initiative. Co-founded in 1993 by Industry Canada and the Telephone Pioneers, the program refurbishes computers and related equipment. These computers are distributed across Canada to schools, libraries, and registered not-for-profit learning organizations.

Surplus computers are donated by federal and provincial government departments and by private companies and organizations. Computers and computer equipment are collected, refurbished, and distributed by local Computers for Schools programs in each Province. Since the program began over 950,000 computers have been distributed across Canada.

The "delivery agencies" for the CFS program in each province are generally independent non-profit organizations. In Alberta that organization is the Alberta Computers for Schools Association, a non-profit agency with charitable status. Our Association's Board of Directors is made up of representatives of the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA), Alberta Energy, Alberta Municipal Affairs, the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA), the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS), Bell Canada, Dell Canada, Microsoft Canada, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Stantec Corporation, TELUS Corporation, TELUS Community Ambassadors, Service Alberta, and the Treaty Seven Tribal Council. Chair of the Alberta CFS Board is Ross Plecash, P.Eng. (representing APEGGA), and Executive Director is Lucien Villeneuve.

There are five computer refurbishing/distribution centres in Alberta:

• In Calgary
  • Ernest Manning High School: a full-time operation supervisd by Ron McWhinnie and Harvey Northfield
    3600-16 Avenue S.W.
    Phone: (403) 243-6321
    Fax: (403) 243-6321
    E-mail: cfsclg2@telusplanet.net
  • Elbow Park TELUS exchange: a part-time operation of Calgary's Telus Community Ambassadors Volunteers
    3601-7A Street S.W.
    Phone: (403) 243-8297
    E-mail: cpsclg1@telusplanet.net
• In Edmonton
  • CFS Edmonton: a full-time operation supervised by Rodger Stayer and Hal Martin
    12360-142 Street (Door #20 in the back)
    Phone: (780) 452-8016
    Fax: (780) 452-8016
    E-mail: cfsedm@telus.net
• In Lethbridge
  • Lethbridge Community Network: a full time operation supervised by Jim Campbell
    Phone: (403) 317-7799
    Fax: (403) 317-7799
    E-mail: lcn@shaw.ca
• In Brocket
  • Piikani Nation Secondary School: a full-time pilot project supervised by Ms. Ula Shirt
    Phone: (403) 965-3656
    E-mail: ushirt@miikyaapii.net

Alberta Computers for Schools distributes between twelve and fourteen thousand computers annually. As of January 31, 2010 we have distributed 127.695 computers in Alberta since our provincial program began in 1994.

Costs? All equipment is provided free of charge with two exceptions: schools are requested to make transportation arrangements; and "others" are charged $20 per system for software purchase and installation.

For further information about Alberta CFS, please contact:
Computers for Schools
C/O Alberta Learning Resources Centre
12360-142 Street
Edmonton, AB T5L 4X9
Phone: (780) 427-9002
Fax: (780) 422-9750
E-mail: lucien.villeneuve@gov.ab.ca

About the national CFS program, call 1-888-636-9899 or see the national website at: http://cfs-ope.ic.gc.ca

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