December 14, 2020 – A device drive is now underway at London Drugs to get gently-used smartphones and tablets into the hands of long-term care facilities so that isolated seniors can connect virtually with loved-ones over the holidays.
Project Joy, an organization founded at the onset of the pandemic to provide connected devices to senior facilities, is asking Albertans to drop off old tablets and smartphones at any London Drugs location in Alberta. The devices will be sanitized, cleared of all personal data, refurbish, and then provide care homes with step-by-step guides for staff to help residents connect with family via Zoom, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo or even to receive photos through email.
“That old smartphone sitting in your drawer at home or that previous generation tablet you kept when you upgraded, could be put to critical use, offering virtual visits from family to seniors in our province after months of isolation and loneliness,” says Emily Jenks, Founder of Project Joy.
Devices can be dropped off at any London Drugs location in Alberta at the TECH Department. Android smartphones or tablets less than four years old, Apple iPad Gen 3 or newer and iPhone 5 or newer are accepted. The devices must be reset to factory settings and unlinked from Apple ID, iCloud and any management accounts with the protective cases removed. London Drugs Service Technicians will conduct a complete data wipe prior to it being restored and made ready for use by a care facility.
Since quarantine measures first came into effect at care facilities throughout the province, Project Joy received requests from all over Alberta with many care providers now on the waiting list to receive devices for their residents. With the help of care facility workers, each donated device can be used by up to five seniors to send and receive video calls, photos, and video messages.
“We’ve had families able to watch their loved ones open gifts. These are precious moments that they otherwise would not be able to safely participate in this year. Seeing that familiar face of a loved one and being able to reminisce with family members reminds them that they are not forgotten, people care about them and that we can all get through this difficult time together – even if we can’t be together in person,” says Joannie Robertson, Recreation Therapist at Copper Sky Seniors Lodge, a seniors facility that received tablets from Project Joy.
All 22 London Drugs locations in Alberta are now accepting smartphone and tablet donations. Laptops, since they are more difficult to sanitize, are not being accepted as part of the device drive for Project Joy.
“As we try to balance the need to protect the most vulnerable, with the need to support their sense of connection, virtual gatherings and video chats may be the greatest gift for older family members over the holidays,” says Ben Pullein, Store Manager at London Drugs.
He says that with limits on in-person gatherings and social distancing guidelines, many customers are desperately trying to set up senior family members with tech before the holidays. Demand for London Drugs’ remote tech support, which can assist with software installation, troubleshooting, device setup and installation remotely from a safe distance has gone up substantially.
“It can be very frustrating to guide someone – especially an elderly person who is inexperienced – through the process of downloading new apps or updating programs. But once the technology is set up, it can really be a lifeline for them.”
DEVICES BEING ACCEPTED FOR DONATION
- Apple iPad / iPhone
- iPhone 5 or newer
- iPad Gen 3 or newer
- Must be unlinked from Apple ID and iCloud Account and reset to factory settings
- Remove protective case
- Charger included if possible
- Android Phone / Tablet
- Age: 4 years or newer
- Must be unlinked from any management account and reset to factory settings
- Remove protective case
- Charger included if possible
FAQ
Q: I have a family member in a senior care facility in Alberta. Can they apply to receive a device through Project Joy?
A: Care facilities looking for devices can fill out the device request form at: https://www.projectjoy.ca/what-we-do
Upon receiving requests, Project Joy will evaluate if the center is able to adequately access Wi-Fi and have staff teach residents or be available to help.
Q: How are seniors homes selected to receive donations from Project Joy?
A: Project Joy’s prime objective has been to help isolated seniors in need in care homes. Typically, a representative from a seniors facility contacts Project Joy, requesting devices for their residents. Upon receiving requests, Project Joy will evaluate if the center is able to adequately access Wi-Fi and have staffing resources to assist residents.
Q: How will the seniors know how to use the donated devices?
A: Project Joy offers participating care homes step-by-step guides for staff to help residents connect with common video chat platforms including: Zoom, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo or even to receive photos through email.
Project Joy routinely check-ins with care homes after the devices are donated to ensure they are being used optimally.
Q: How many seniors does one device help?
A: With the help of care facility workers, each donated device can be used by 5 to 10 seniors.
Q: Can Project Joy help an isolated senior not in a care home?
A: The focus of the donation drive right now it to assist seniors in need who reside in care facilities. Each device can assist more than one senior and appropriate care is available to help them use the technology optimally.
Q: Will the care homes be receiving support along with the donation of devices?
A: Participating care homes will receive step-by-step guides for staff to help residents connect with family via Zoom, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo or even to receive photos through email.
Project Joy routinely checks in with care homes after the devices are delivered to ensure they are being used optimally.
Q: What devices are being accepted for donation? Why can’t I donate other devices?
A: Android smartphones or tablets less than four years old, Apple iPad Gen 3 or newer and iPhone 5 or newer are accepted. The devices must be reset to factory settings and unlinked from Apple ID, iCloud, and any management accounts with the protective cases removed.
Older devices are not accepted as they cannot reliably manage the video chat functions to make these connections possible.
Laptops, since they are more difficult to sanitize, are not being accepted as part of the device drive.
Q: What happens to the personal data that is on my device?
A: Before donating, the devices must be reset to factory settings and unlinked from Apple ID, iCloud, and any management accounts.
London Drugs Service Technicians will then conduct a complete data wipe prior to it being restored and made ready for use by a care facility.
Q: Are all London Drugs locations accepting device donations?
A: All 22 London Drugs locations in Alberta are accepting device donations for Project Joy. Devices can be dropped off at any London Drugs location in Alberta at the TECH Department.
Q: When do I need to donate my device to the store by?
A: Devices donated before December 23rd have the most chance of being useful to connect residents with family over the holidays.
Q: Can I make a cash donation instead?
A: Yes, monetary donations can be made at https://www.projectjoy.ca/donate-funds.
Project Joy is a registered non-profit with an amazing group of talented and experienced volunteers. At this time, no money goes towards paying staff. Over 90% of money raised goes directly to purchasing devices for those in need. Approximately 10% or less goes to administrative costs such as insurance and credit card processing.
Q: How are COVID-19 safety measures being maintained during this campaign?
A: Project Joy works directly with care homes to ensure safe delivery of the devices, employing a 3 point sanitation procedure – devices are sanitized when received upon donation, again when leaving the technical screening site, and a third time by care facilities upon receiving the devices.
Since laptops are more difficult to sanitize, they are not being accepted as part of the device drive.
