By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
CASEY residents struggling to afford a computer and monitor now have an option, thanks to Avocare.
The ‘Work for the Dole’ activity puts old, dying computers to good use, providing them free to anyone who needs one.
Manager at Avocare, Deb Hutton, said it was the first time the learning solutions organisation had run the program and hoped it could continue.
“We’re targeting school students and low income families who are going back to school,” Ms Hutton said.
“This gives them an opportunity to get a computer for nothing which includes a monitor and hard drive – the only things they have to buy are a keyboard and mouse.”
Casey residents are encouraged to donate computers they no longer use to the program to be restored, cleaned and rebooted for someone in need.
“To pick one up we just need to see a healthcare card because we want to make sure we are donating them to the right people, those who are genuinely struggling,” she said.
Computers started piling in at Cranbourne Avocare in November and about 30 computers are ready to be donated.
Ms Hutton said 18 of the ‘Work for the Dole’ team members decided whether the computer could be used, before installing new software and testing and tagging all cords.
“The great thing about this program is that people can pick up everything they need to make an office or study nook,” Ms Hutton said.
“We sell office furniture as well so someone can get an office desk and chair, a filing cabinet as well as a computer.”
Ms Hutton suggests people speak with the “Work for the Dole’ team on what computer will best suit them before walking out the door.
“Each computer will have different programs on it so one might suit someone better than another,” she said.
The program finishes in early April.
Contact Mustafa from Avocare on 5917 0086 to make a donation.
