The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) is a non-profit organization committed to reducing electronic waste. They promote the reuse and recycling of unwanted computers, laptops and related electronic equipment to reduce the negative environmental impact. We spoke with Sally Tran, Marketing and Events Coordinator, to learn more about their work.
Describe your charity/non-profit in a few sentences.
The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 to address the growing problem of e-waste and the increasing “digital divide”. For over fifteen years, ERA has offered simple solutions to help individuals and organizations prevent operational equipment from premature destruction. With a focus on recovery, refurbishment and reuse, ERA continuously supplies charitable groups with donated IT equipment while securely managing the retiring IT assets of organizations and individuals across Canada.
What problem does it aim to solve?
ERA’s mission is to reduce electronic waste and the negative impact it has on our environment and to reuse unwanted computers and related electronic equipment through recovery, refurbishment and computer donation programs.
When did you start/join it?
Started working with the ERA in 2020
What made you want to get involved?
We work with charities across the country to provide refurbished electronics for their programs. This gives them access to reliable technology while allowing them to apply their resources to what they’re good at developing programs to help Canadians struggling with poverty, health concerns, or are otherwise experiencing misfortune. Because the ERA is an advocate of equality, we are not specifically affiliated with a given charity. The ERA helps hundreds of charitable organizations each year through the donation of necessary computer equipment.
What was the situation like when you started?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are finding it extremely difficult to obtain enough donations to fulfill every charitable organization’s wish. Currently, the ERA has a growing list of over 400 pending organizations that are in urgent need of IT-related devices. These items are needed to improve the lives of others and act as an anchor so that organizations can progress and make a real difference within the community.
How has it changed since?
Many organizations find it extremely hard to save a portion of their already rigid budget to buy the technical equipment they may need to create more awareness online. In the eyes of other organizations, it is not a necessity and therefore isn’t first on the priority list when deciding on where to spend the money they have been allocated. Therefore, ERA donating devices to organizations in need is a big weight off their shoulders and they can use their technology funding for other projects they are working on throughout the year.
What more needs to be done?
Currently, the ERA has a growing list of over 400 pending organizations that are in urgent need of IT-related devices. These items are needed to improve the lives of others and act as an anchor so that organizations can progress and make a real difference within the community.
How can our readers help?
The ERA will pick up your obsolete devices in order to fulfill all of these donation requests. They supply data security services for individuals and companies across Canada and the US ensuring that your data is taken care of and securely erased. If you can help, please call ERA at 1.877.9EWASTE or email for more information.
Do you have any events coming up?
Please visit our website for upcoming events.
Where can we follow you?
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Youtube
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