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YOUR Independent Community Newspaper
Vol. 5 Edition 21
Unique C-K program garners national award By Mary Beth Corcoran mary@chathamvoice.com
A home computer is something most of us take for granted, but for some families in need, it is a luxury they can’t afford. Thanks to a unique partnership between the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent (HFHC-K), area families are being provided with used computers at no cost. This program has earned the local group a national award. HFHC-K recently received a national Sustainable Funding Award at a conference in British Columbia for its efforts in providing used computers to low-income families, according to executive director Nancy McDowell. Due to the success of the Chatham-Kent program, she said the national Habitat for Humanity organiza-
131 Park Ave. E., Chatham 519-354-4127
tion is looking to start similar partnerships across the country. During the last year, HFHC-K has distributed 80 computers on a referral basis primarily with Ontario Works, and has signed an agreement to continue the service for the next two years, McDowell said. Once computers have run their lifecycle at the municipality, they are wiped of information and given to the IT committee at Habitat to re-purpose. She added the computers can be a life-changing event for those who receive them. “Our staff has been hugged and thanked by people receiving the computers,” she said. “A lack of income can be isolating. Often job applications have to be filled in online, or students’ homework requires online work. For a family that can’t afford a computer, this presents real challenges.”
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batteryboy.ca
THURSDAY, MAY 25 , 2017
FREE!
Popcorn, anyone?
Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Popping up some great smelling popcorn outside the Capitol Theatre in Chatham, long-time volunteer Cliff Steptoe was getting ready for the Wednesday Night Movie regulars to come out. Averaging 150 viewers per movie, Steptoe said the package deal of 42 movies for $35 is a great deal to see movies just out on DVD. Passes for next season will go on sale in November.
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