Perth Voice Interactive

They’re so PC—but in a good way

A GROUP of Perth volunteers is refurbishing thrown-out computers and sending them to children in developing countries.

Since 2004, the group has sent more than 2000 refurbished PCs to orphanages, schools and charity organisations in Tanzania, Burma, Kenya, Cameroon and Zambia.

It diverts thousands more from landfill by restoring them and giving them to seniors, pensioners, students and other disadvantaged in Australia.

The operation is run by the Perth Lions Club but most of the work is done by local volunteers.

Refurbishment project founder Max Lurie said even PCs that were too far gone could be cannibalised for 95 per cent of their parts.

“Every Wednesday volunteers gather to complete the sorting, refurbishing, and packaging of the donated equipment ready for shipment,” he said.

“This provides an outlet for those individuals to enjoy the company of like-minded people in the knowledge that they ‘get out of the house’ for one day a week and that the effort put in is to the advantage of needy people all over our planet.”

Mt Lawley Liberal MP Michael Sutherland applauds the efforts.

“Max Lurie is one of or many local unsung volunteers,” he says. “He, together with members of the Lions Club of Perth and volunteers, have been collecting and refurbishing old computers which are distributed to the needy both here an overseas. I have often commended Max for his dedication and  good work, he simply shrugs it off—he has been a lifelong volunteer.” Mr Lurie adds the project is short of old computers to work on. If you would like to send in your old PC, email project chairman Murray Fletcher at smfnbridge33@yahoo.com.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK