As part of its centennial celebration, IBM will deliver hundreds of new service grants, valued at more than $12m, which support employees’ volunteer activities to build a smarter planet. Up 140pc on last year, the service grants include cash and equipment awards.
Age Action Ireland has received a new €7,500 grant from IBM. The grant – known as a Catalyst Grant – is part of IBM’s Centennial Celebration of Service.
IBM volunteers currently tutor for Age Action Ireland’s ‘Getting Started’ computer training programme at IBM sites in Ballycoolin and Mulhuddart, Dublin 15.
These classes are delivered using one-to-one training, are user paced and designed specifically for older people who may have never used a computer before or want to brush up on skills, such as how to upload photos or book flights online.
“On behalf of Age Action, I want to thank IBM for their generous donation to our Getting Started programme. The grant will be used to set up the first internet café for older people to learn and improve their IT skills with the help of volunteer tutors,” said Robin Webster, CEO, Age Action Ireland.
Feedback from participants demonstrates that the Getting Started classes have helped to significantly increase their computer literacy and improve their communication skills, as well as the quality of their lives.
“IBM has a deep heritage of making a substantive contribution to communities, starting with the company’s founder, Thomas Watson, Sr,” said Deirdre Kennedy, manager, Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs, IBM Ireland.
“Since 2003, IBMers have provided more than 12m hours of skills-based volunteer service in communities around the world; more than any other company. We’re happy to help IBMers support Age Action Ireland in its Getting Started programme.”
Photo: Peter O’Neill, managing director, IBM Ireland, and volunteers presenting an IBM Catalyst Grant to Age Action Ireland
