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Why Quebec charities are asking for used technology
ERA says donated devices can be refurbished and distributed to schools, charities and community organizations. In its May 26, 2025 release, the organization said local charities on its waitlist lacked technology to deliver their programs. The appeal described needs including computers and laptops for client intake and case management, career training, adaptive learning and communication, resident engagement, and tutoring. These are examples reported in that 2025 appeal, not a current inventory of each organization’s needs. ERA’s May 26, 2025 appeal
The five organizations named in that appeal were Fondation Chez Doris, YES Employment + Entrepreneurship, Association de Montréal pour la Déficience Intellectuelle, Les Amis de Maywood and Corporation d’Éducation Jeunesse. ERA’s later August 17, 2026 Quebec update named Batshaw Youth & Family Centres Foundation, Club Zone de Lachine, Centre de pédiatrie sociale des Appalaches and Entre-Maisons Ahuntsic. The later update does not establish whether the five organizations named in 2025 still need the same equipment.
ERA Founder and President Bojan Paduh said in the 2025 release: “These organizations are doing vital work in their communities, but without access to functioning computers and other technology, they are limited in what they can offer.” He also said: “Every donation helps close the digital divide and expands their ability to serve those who need it most.” These are ERA’s statements about the purpose of its appeal, not measured estimates of its impact. The reviewed sources do not establish a Quebec-wide total for the device shortage or the number of organizations waiting.
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Where to donate used electronics in Quebec
Electronic Recycling Association (ERA)
ERA’s May 2025 appeal offered free pickup scheduling or drop-off at its Montreal depot: 130 Boulevard Saint-Joseph, Suite 160, Lachine, QC H8S 2L3; phone 514-312-6735. These are the details in that dated appeal. Confirm current pickup availability, accepted equipment and depot arrangements with ERA before travelling or booking.
OPEQ
OPEQ asks donors to complete its donation form or email [email protected]. Its donation page says its team contacts donors within 24–48 hours and offers free pickup for a minimum of 15 items; small donors are asked to contact OPEQ. Check its current instructions and confirm that pickup serves your location before preparing a shipment or arranging transport.
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CFS+ and local affiliates
The federal Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program directs donors to local affiliates. Its donation page explains how to find a route and what equipment may be accepted. Availability and logistics depend on the affiliate, so verify details locally.
What electronics can you donate?
Acceptance depends on the program, the device’s condition and sometimes the quantity. Ask the recipient before drop-off or pickup, especially for older equipment and accessories.
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| Program | Equipment its guidance lists | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| ERA | Unused laptops, computers, tablets, phones and other electronics, as described in its May 2025 appeal. | Whether the specific item, its condition and accessories are accepted now. ERA, May 26, 2025 |
| OPEQ | Desktops, laptops, servers, tablets, smartphones, screens, laser printers, projectors, keyboards and mice; cables and adapters can help. | Whether your equipment and quantity fit its current needs. OPEQ donation instructions |
| CFS+ | Desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, keyboards, mice, monitor bases, audio equipment, docking stations, cables, printers and servers. | What the local affiliate accepts and where to take it. CFS+ donation page |
How to prepare devices before handing them over
- Confirm the need and route. Ask the organization whether it currently wants your device, what condition it must be in, whether it accepts accessories, and how pickup or drop-off works.
- Check accounts and locks. OPEQ specifically tells donors to unlink an Apple account before handing over an Apple device. Ask the recipient about any other account, activation-lock or device-management requirements.
- Ask how data is handled. ERA says it securely wipes donated devices to ISO-certified standards before refurbishment and redistribution, and responsibly recycles items that cannot be reused. OPEQ says it erases hard drives according to BRQ and RCMP standards. These are statements about those organizations’ processes, not a guarantee that every reuse provider follows the same procedures.
- Keep a record of what you give. Make an item list and ask about a receipt before transfer if you need documentation. Receipt rules vary by program.
If a device contains sensitive information, ask the recipient what its erasure process covers and whether you should erase it yourself before donation. Follow the provider’s handoff instructions so that any required account removal or device reset does not prevent reuse.
Donation receipts are not automatic
OPEQ says receipts are available on request for reusable equipment. CFS+ says it can issue receipts based on fair market value for working equipment that meets its minimum standard. ERA’s cited Quebec appeal does not state its receipt terms, so ask ERA directly rather than assuming a receipt will be provided. OPEQ donation instructions; CFS+ donation page
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What the published figures do—and do not—show
The federal CFS+ page, modified September 4, 2026, says the national program has extended the use of 1.7 million refurbished digital devices since 1993. That is nationwide program context; it is not a measure of ERA’s Quebec appeal or current local demand. OPEQ’s donation page says more than 1,050 private businesses have entrusted it with equipment since its beginnings. That organization-reported cumulative figure does not indicate how many devices are needed now or how many Quebec donors gave this year.
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