RG&E and Shore Foundation Provide Local Families in Need with Refurbished Laptops

RG&E $2,500 donation funded refurbishment costs for 50 computer set-ups

ROCHESTER, NY — February 18, 2021 — More than 50 Nativity Preparatory Academy families received a refurbished laptop today from The Shore Foundation, a local non-profit, to help bridge the digital divide in the Rochester community. This laptop distribution was made possible in part by a $2,500 donation from Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E), which covered the refurbishment costs for 50 computer set-ups.

“I’m so very grateful to the Shore Foundation and RG&E for making this computer donation opportunity a reality for all our families at Nativity,” said James C. Smith, President of Nativity Preparatory Academy. “I remember the challenges of not having access to all the resources we needed to thrive as a youth growing up in Rochester. To me, this donation creates a technological bridge to so many possibilities in this digital world. From making studying at home easier to being able to connect with extended family across the globe, these computers will enable our families to unlock numerous pathways to critical information and solutions.”

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for computers this year has significantly increased with many students learning remotely and many adults working from home. Each laptop was refurbished to meet the specific needs of the families, including virtual learning and remote work, and each household will get to keep the laptop for the lifetime of the device.

“By providing this amazing gift, it gives families the ability to do so many things: giving opportunity to increase tech skills, support engagement that can open doors to job opportunities and even something as simple as an online game night!” said Damaris Olemeda, a Nativity Preparatory Academy parent. “Thank you so much to the Shore Foundation and RG&E for playing a great part in my daughter's education and thinking of our family in such a deep way.”

The Shore Foundation refurbishes donated corporate computers and provides them to people in-need within the community through relationships with local schools and non-profit organizations. Its mission is to empower our communities by enhancing technological access, awareness, and ability. Since 2018, The Shore Foundation has distributed over 1,000 refurbished computers to the community.

“In the simplest terms, the digital divide is the gap between people who have access to technology, and those who lack that access,” said Megan Alchowiak, Executive Director of The Shore Foundation. “Today we are narrowing that gap for these families. We hope this computer is viewed as a tool to stay connected, expand learning opportunities and to stay in-touch with friends and family."

The donation from RG&E is part of the company’s commitment to support the communities that it serves. RG&E provides grants and donations to a variety of nonprofits with a focus on those that support health and welfare, food security, arts and culture, and education and young people. The Shore Foundation was selected by RG&E because the company recognized the importance of bridging the digital divide locally.

 “RG&E is proud to support The Shore Foundation’s effort to provide local families in need with computers,” said Veronica Dasher, Program Manager, Government & Community Relations at RG&E. “We not only serve the Rochester community as the local utility, but we are members of this community and it’s important to us to support our neighbors. These refurbished computers will give the families a reliable computer they can use to work, learn and play with.”

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About RG&E: Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1848, RG&E operates approximately 8,800 miles of electric distribution lines and 1,100 miles of electric transmission lines. It also operates approximately 10,600 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 105 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 378,500 electricity customers and 313,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region in New York surrounding the City of Rochester. For more information, visit rge.com . 

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with approximately $36 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. With headquarters in Orange, Connecticut, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,600 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2019 and 2020 by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.

Learn about the Iberdrola Group’s global pandemic response at its COVID-19 Hub.

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