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KELOWNA, BC —  The Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo and St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral are joining forces to host a Laptop Donation Day on Saturday, April 11, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The event invites community members to clear out their drawers and closets of unused tech to help those in need across the Okanagan.

Event Details

  • What: Laptop Donation & Data Wiping Event
  • When: Saturday, April 11 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Where: St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral, Kelowna
  • Action: Bring any PC or Mac laptop (with power cord) that still powers on.

Turning "E-Waste" into Opportunity

Donated laptops will undergo a careful refurbishment process where all previous data is securely wiped. Volunteers will then install the Linux operating system, a lightweight and secure platform that breathes new life into older hardware, making them fast and functional for modern use.

Once refurbished, these laptops will be distributed through vital community partners, including Turning Points Collaborative Society, St. Michael’s Cathedral, and the Seniors Outreach Centre.

"Our goal is simple: take technology that is gathering dust and put it into the hands of someone who truly needs it," says Brian Hillaby, President of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo. "By using Linux, we can extend the life of these machines by years, providing a bridge to education, employment, and connection for our neighbors."

A Community Effort

The partnership highlights a shared commitment to social equity and environmental sustainability.

"We are thrilled to open our doors for this initiative," says Dean David Tiessen of St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral. "Extending the useful life of our technology enables a lighter footprint upon the earth, and offers another way of tangibly supporting the dignity and well-being of those in the neighbourhood and community."

For organizations like Turning Points Collaborative Society, these laptops are more than just hardware; they are lifelines.

"Access to a reliable computer can be the difference-maker for someone seeking housing or applying for work," says Tara Tschritter of Turning Points. "This project directly empowers our clients to take those next steps toward stability."

Join Us for Coffee and Tech

Donors are encouraged to stick around! While our experts perform a certified data wipe on your old machine, you can:

  • Enjoy a complimentary coffee with our volunteers.
  • Get an introduction to Linux and see a live demonstration of a Linux-powered laptop in action.
  • Learn about our upcoming sessions where we can install Linux on your current laptop to keep it running smoothly for years to come.

Note: We gratefully accept any PC or Mac laptop which was bought on or after 1st October 2001, provided it includes the power lead and is capable of powering on.

For more information, please contact: The Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo Email: laptops@rotaryogopogo.org

About the Partners

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo is a service organization dedicated to improving the local and global community. St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral is a historic center of faith and community service in the heart of Kelowna. Turning Points Collaborative Society provides housing and support services to those experiencing homelessness and poverty in the Okanagan.