Chromebooks For Newcomer Families

Short version for the busy: We are raising $1,500 to buy five Chromebooks for refugee newcomer families. Want to help? Just hit the Donate Now button on the right.

Long version:

My mom lived below the poverty line for most of her life. But she took every extra penny and gave it to someone who needed it more than she did. For as long as she lived, she looked for opportunities to help and she took them.

So I try very hard to do the same.

My partner Todd found a Facebook page connecting new Canadians with people giving away much needed household belongings. We had a Chromebook (a simplified laptop that runs Google's Chrome OS) that had been sitting in a drawer for a year, so we posted it. It was immediately claimed, and here's how it's being used:

"Our newcomer family LOVES the computer you gave them. The kids all made up their new Gmail account names and felt so fancy. It's the prime homework station - and I'm pretty sure Spongebob Squarepants in Arabic is being watched on it by the littlest one. It means so much."

And I thought, good lord. This Chromebook that I bought on a whim and then tossed in a drawer is serving an entire FAMILY. I felt like an enormous chump, but then I thought - hell, my family hardly uses the OTHER Chromebook, so I posted it too.

Within ten minutes it had been claimed. And then seven more messages came in, asking if it was still available.

And wow, did I hate saying no. So I thought about what my mom would do.

Well, she'd figure out a way to say yes.

So I got in touch with a friend who's been working with refugee newcomers for a year and he graciously agreed to distribute Chromebooks to families in need. My partner Todd will be providing tech support and giving tutorials.

And now I'm asking you: will you toss a few bucks into the bucket?

Just hit the Donate Now button on the right.

I'm hoping to buy five Chromebooks, for five families who will use them to connect with far away family and friends, to do homework, to watch Spongebob Squarepants in Arabic, and who knows what else!

Please take a moment to hit the Share button as well - one share multiplies fast, and the more people who see this fundraiser, the more likely we are to meet our goal.

Who are we?

My name is Sage Tyrtle. I am a professional storyteller in Toronto. I teach The Art of Storytelling at Seneca College and my stories have been featured on NPR and CBC radio. I donate my teaching skills to non-profit organizations. Learn more here: www.tyrtle.com

My partner Todd rode from Toronto to New York City on a tandem bike with our son, raising acts of kindness the entire way. He volunteers with newcomer refugee families through Mes Amis.