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Michael Chen


“The biggest project I've worked on is called “Fair For All”, a registered nonprofit. We try to provide fair access to technology and an education for anybody, no matter their socioeconomic class, no matter where they are in the world. But, we're focusing on more localized projects. We've donated computers to schools within Greater Vancouver, including Thunderbird Elementary and Lord Selkirk Elementary. I take computers, refurbish them, and send them out to schools or any families that need them.”


“Many families were really surprised that they were able to keep their own devices because most donated devices are donated to the school, making them school property. But in my case, although I’m still going through schools, the school distributes it to families and the families get to keep these computers, which I think really helps, especially for those that need it over summer break, winter break and when they’re on vacation. I think that seeing the community be better drives me to be better.”

“Building a computer just seemed right for me. And what really happened next was that I joined the Connect 10 cohort. It was just an opportunity for us to explore more of our individual interests and create projects that can help the community. With the help of Ms. McLean and several other teachers, I was able to create this program and I actually presented it at the global stewardship conference.”


“So when COVID really hit hard in Vancouver, I got 20 laptops out to the schools. At first, the computers were from students at St. George’s. I made a call at a school assembly asking if anybody wanted to donate. I also went around the neighborhood and asked any local businesses if they had any used computers that they were throwing away. I asked if I could take them and refurbish them and then give them out to any families in need.”

“I wouldn't say I'm as inspiring as people would say. Really. I believe that doing something like this as an example to students really proves that if you set your heart to something, have an interest in mind, and you're able to put that interest to something that the community needs, you will be able to build up or do anything. For me, it was the computer building, but maybe for somebody, it will be arts or maybe teaching.”

“I want to try to continue this project no matter where I go to university, whether here, in Toronto, across Europe, back in Asia; wherever I am, I want to create this program and try to spread it wherever I go. Of course I can no longer keep holding on to this position I have right now, but I want to pass this on to somebody I believe has the potential to help this organization grow as I've made it and make it something better so we can benefit more people. “



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