The London Drugs in Airdrie is taking part in a province-wide device drive this month to distribute gently used smartphones and tablets to seniors spending the holidays in isolation.
Project Joy is an Alberta-based organization that formed during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization provides electronic devices to retirement homes and long-term senior care facilities, so residents who are not allowed visitors at the moment can still visit with their families virtually.
“We want to help COVID-isolated seniors connect virtually with their loved ones this holiday season,” said Dan Do, the assistant store manager for the London Drugs in Airdrie. “Right now, we’re asking for support from the community to donate any gently used tablets or smartphones before Dec. 23.”
According to Do, the devices brought into London Drugs will be donated to senior facilities around the province. He added the device drive is a way to balance the need to protect seniors – one of the most vulnerable population segments for COVID-19 – with their need to still feel a social connection.
“Obviously with seniors, it will be especially hard this holiday season to support their sense of connection,” he said. “Virtual gatherings, video chats – that may be the greatest gift for older family members who may not have this technology. They’ll be able to see their family.”
A press release from Project Joy stated the devices will be sanitized, cleared of all personal data, refurbished and provided to care homes with step-by-step instructions for staff to help residents organize virtual visits with their families over the holidays.
With the help of care facility workers, each donated device can be used by up to five seniors to send and receive video calls, photos, and video messages this holiday season.
“That old smartphone sitting in your drawer at home or that previous generation tablet you kept when you upgraded could be put to critical use, offering virtual visits from family to seniors in our province after months of isolation and loneliness,” said Emily Jenks, the founder of Project Joy, in a statement.
Do said Airdrie residents who wish to drop off their used phones or tablets can bring them to the tech department.
“Our technicians will essentially ensure the items are reset to the factory settings and then we’ll sanitize the devices using the appropriate solution prior to donating it,” he said.
Due to the devices’ video capabilities, Project Joy is requesting Apple and Android devices, including iPhone 5 or newer, iPad Generation 3 or newer or any Android smartphone or tablet that is four years old or newer. The devices must be unlinked from any Apple ID, iCloud or management account and reset to factory settings. The protective case should be removed and a charger should be included.
Laptops, since they are more difficult to sanitize, are not being accepted as part of the device drive, according to Project Joy.
Any retirement facility that would like to receive donations from Project Joy can reach out to the organization via projectjoy.ca, Do said.
“We’re really looking forward to the community’s support and hope as many Airdrie seniors [as possible], especially those in care homes, can benefit from this program,” he said.
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
