Since 2022, the Rotary Club of Richmond has been donating dozens of Ipads to Richmond seniors. Ipads are an effective tool for seniors with large fonts, easy-to-use apps, and simple functions for people not familiar with technology. The notion of donating Ipads for seniors gained prominence during the pandemic. For seniors, particularly low income seniors without a computer, Ipads were a tool to keep isolated seniors connected with family and the outside world. In September of 2022, the Rotary Club of Richmond donated Ipads to three different groups. 12 Ipads to the Minoru Active Living Centre, 10 Ipads to Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, and 12 Tablets to Chimo. Last week, the Rotary Club of Richmond donated 8 Ipads to the West Richmond Community Centre. The West Richmond Community Centre has a robust seniors program, run by Karen Chiu, offering language courses, book clubs, singing courses, social clubs and history classes. The Community Centre is planning to create a Seniors Tech Buddy Class for the Ipads. In a Seniors Tech Buddy program, students are paired with older adults to explore technology. The program is designed to help older adults connect with the world around them. Tech Buddy introduces older adults to various technologies and devices with students providing one-on-one instruction. Seniors Tech Buddy programs have been successful all around the world and particularly in Canada. The Rotary Club of Richmond also donated 1 Ipad to Thompson Community Centre. The Thompson Community Centre offers karaoke, crafts, and group conversations for seniors.
|