Colin Toth teaches families basic computer skills in London, Ont.

The Salvation Army, Western University and a London, Ont., family teamed up in October for the kick-off of Project Comp-U-Give. Spearheaded by Colin Toth, Project Comp-U-Give facilitates the teaching of basic computer skills to families and then provides them with a recently refurbished computer. The computers, loaded with many basic programs, are provided by Western University.

Six families participated in the first session of Project Comp-U-Give. Toth, a former IT technician, guided them through a tutorial on the work he and his family had completed on the computers, and made sure the participants were comfortable with basic computer operations.

“Computers are an important part of today's society,” says Perron Goodyear, divisional emergency services director, Ontario Great Lakes Division. “Children need them to do homework, young adults need them for post-secondary studies, families need them to access resources in their community. They are an invaluable tool and Project Comp-U-Give wants to make sure every household in the community has one available to them.

“We are extremely excited to be able to work with our partners in this very valuable and worthwhile initiative,” adds Goodyear. Organizers hope that this will be the first of many more sessions of Project Comp-U-Give.