The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library has launched the ‘Internet to Go’ pilot project with the aim of supporting people who have been affected by flooding in the Merritt area.
“The packages include a Chromebook and a Kajeet smart spot, kind of like a Wi-Fi hotspot for lack of a better description and it plugs in with local internet connectivity and makes it available,” TNRL Chief Librarian Judy Moore told NL News, adding that the program is getting underway Wednesday, Jan. 5.
“It is an innovative project really enabling people across the board and people who may have really been negatively impacted by the floods in the Merritt area ready access to the internet. Laptops will be loaned at no charge, ensuring all residents are able to access the services and supports they need at this time.”
People will be able to borrow these kits for up to four weeks at a time. There are 15 available at the Merritt Resiliency Centre, Moore noted, with another five earmarked for the Cache Creek resiliency centre.
“We’re very excited. We’ll be monitoring this project and we are anticipating that we’ll have maximum impact for individuals and families as mentioned in the Merritt area with their connectivity,” she said.
Moore notes the pilot program is the result of a $20,000 donation from Interior Savings. It will be in place for a few months, at which point, it will be evaluated.
“Over time based on the uptake and use of these kits, we are hoping that at some point, we’ll be able to roll these out across the regional district,” she said.
In total, Interior Savings says it has donated $45,000 to organizations in the Merritt area to aid in flood recovery.
“As a credit union serving the Merritt and area community, we have many staff and members who have been deeply impacted by recent floods,” Interior Savings CEO Kathy Conway said, in a statement. “We know everyone will do what they can to help their neighbours through this difficult time, and we want to do our part.”
Residents looking to borrow the Internet to Go kit can apply to do so in two ways:
- In-person at the Merritt Resiliency Centre, open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Online, by clicking here. Forms filled out online can be sent to eoc.recovery@merritt.ca
