Following a few posts where I have made reference to ComputerBank Australia quite a number of people have posted requests for donated computers directly to me. These are undoubtedly projects worthy of support, however please be advised that I am not in a position to influence ComputerBank donations (and I would not do this even if I could), and any requests for assistance must be forwarded directly to ComputerBank. Contact details can be found at: http://www.computerbank.org.au/
It is also my belief that CB are currently "stretched" with donation requests from within our region and are unlikely to be able to provide donations or support beyond the South-Pacific (although this is my opinion only and should not stop anyone from asking!) The following is a brief update on the way CB is evolving from an organisation that simply donates computers to one more heavily involved in assisting to bridge the digital divide. ComputerBank Australia (Vic) recently provided a temporary computer network, back-end software services and technical support for the "Inaugural World Autism Conference" held on-line and physically at the Melbourne Convention Centre <http://www.autismcongress.com/>. The nature of the conference required computers and services with high-level disabled access features. Computerbank was able to meet this need whilst providing substantial cost-savings for the conference organisers. One highlight was the 4-day global on-line chat coordinated by Computerbank and attended by a number of expert speakers providing Q&A sessions for the 2,000 conference participants <http://www.autismcongress.com/chat/chat.htm>. In a second initiative that acknowledges the logistical and other difficulties inherent in providing free computers to overseas recipients; CB-Vic are facilitating links between Rotary Clubs throughout the South Pacific region and branches of the Australia-New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ have offered to donate computers to CB). This coordinated effort will enable local donations to be made to groups and communities thereby negating a need for overseas deliveries. It will also ensure that older ANZ computers will be put to good use in the communities in which they operate. As well as facilitating these links, CB are providing all necessary software, technical and training manuals. Best regards, Don ------------ ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: <http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/>
