The Handy Circle Resource Society received a $2,500 grant from Canada's Emergency Community Support Fund through United Way of Northern BC.
"We are so grateful for the grant, which will help persons with disabilities who are feeling isolated due to COVID-19," Lorraine Young, executive director of the Handy Circle Resource Society.
"We received funds so we could carry out social development online workshops for eight months and beyond."
The United Way of Northern BC was pleased to be able to partner with Handy Circle Resource Society to help bring such integral services to persons with disabilities and special needs in the community.
"The services Handy Circle provides allows for exciting opportunities and learning for so many who would otherwise not have access to these fun experiences," Trista Spencer, executive director for the United Way of Northern BC, said. "At this time with particular challenges around the pandemic, it's even more important to be connected and services like this will help even our most vulnerable feel less isolated. We are pleased to be able to offer this funding to the Handy Circle Resource Society through Canada's Emergency Community Support Fund and look forward to continuing to work together."
"We are so grateful that BC Technology for Learning Society also donated computers to us so we can carry out this great project," Young said.
Since 1993 the BC Technology for Learning Society has distributed more than 77,000 computers through the Computers for Schools program in BC.
"Since March, when the pandemic disrupted everything, we have seen an increased demand from non-profit organizations and low income families requesting equipment to help them work and learn at home," Mary-Em Waddington, executive director BC Technology for Learning Society, said. "We've been able to supply close to 2,000 computers/laptops to all corners, including 25 laptops to Handy Circle Resources, Learning Difference Centre and Centre for Learning Alternatives in Prince George. Now more than ever we see the importance of technology as it's such a key tool to help us communicate and learn from home. We are happy to play an instrumental role in breaking down the digital divide and know there is lots more work to be done."
Feeling connected during the pandemic is especially important to those in the community who might already feel isolated, Young added.
Anyone who would like connect with the society or donate to the project can contact the Handy Circle Resource Society at 250-563-1852 or email hcrspg@gmail.com.
