ACCESS Tech hosts successful Tech Giveaway event

On November 14, 2024, the Burke Science Building (BSB) Field at McMaster University buzzed with activity as ACCESS Tech, in collaboration with OPIRG Outreach, hosted its highly anticipated Tech Giveaway event.

This initiative aimed to promote community engagement and sustainability by providing free, refurbished technology to McMaster students. By distributing repurposed devices collected through donations, the event not only helped reduce electronic waste but also enhanced digital inclusion.

“This year, our partnership with OPIRG Outreach truly set this event apart,” said Sanya Sharma, a project coordinator with ACCESS Tech and a third year Electrical Engineering student at McMaster. “In addition to the tech giveaway, we offered free store clothing and hot chocolate, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere and providing even greater support to our community.”

Since its inception in 2019, ACCESS Tech has achieved remarkable results by developing and continuously improving processes for collecting, sanitizing, refurbishing and donating IT equipment to those who need it most. These efforts have diverted over 8,338 kilograms of IT waste from landfills and supported the reuse of more than 300 pieces of technology by McMaster students.

The success of the ACCESS Tech Giveaway event underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives in building a sustainable and inclusive future.

“Looking ahead, we aim to drum up more student volunteers to transform ACCESS Tech into a truly student-run initiative,” Sharma added. “With more hands on deck, we can host even larger events and make a greater impact on our community.”

To learn how you can donate your used technology, visit the ACCESS Tech Webpage. For information on volunteering with ACCESS Tech, please email acctech@mcmaster.ca.