Microsoft Announces Expanded $4 Million Commitment To KidReach

TORONTO, Ont. July 25, 1996 Technology learning for Canadian youth was given a $4 million boost today when Bill Gates, chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corp., announced new funding for Microsoft Canada KidReach, its national donations program to encourage computer literacy in Canadian youth.

The announcement came during Microsoft Canada’s inaugural KidReach Day at Ontario Place. Thousands of young Canadians, including KidReach recipients from across the greater Toronto area, filled the Molson Amphitheatre to hear Bill Gates present his vision of future technologies.

“Microsoft has long been a supporter of programs that provide learning through technology,”
said Gates.
“By encouraging young people to develop the skills they need to meet the challenges of the future, we’re contributing to the growth and prosperity of the communities in which we operate.”

Microsoft KidReach was founded in 1994 to help organizations across Canada provide access, opportunity and learning to young people through donations of software and/or funding. To date, KidReach has provided support for more than 100 groups nationwide, including public libraries, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs and YM/YWCAs.

“KidReach is not only about technology, it’s about opportunity,”
said Jeff Dossett, general manager of Microsoft Canada Inc.
“Young people, especially those in communities lacking necessary resources, need these tools to create opportunities for a better future. Microsoft Canada KidReach is helping to ensure that all young Canadians have access to these resources.”

Through KidReach, Microsoft Canada supports a host of organizations and initiatives, including:


  • : Since 1994, Microsoft Canada’s KidReach program has donated software and cash contributions to more than 100 libraries and charitable organizations across Canada.

  • new! A Canada-wide KidReach initiative to extend information technologies to communities through public access to the Internet and other information technologies. The Toronto Public Library and the Ottawa Public Library will be the first library systems in Canada to join the program. Additional libraries will be added this year across Canada.

  • new! Through this organization, Microsoft Canada’s KidReach program is committed to providing new or refurbished hardware to needy organizations across Canada, ensuring young people have access to complete technology solutions.

  • new! A KidReach initiative whereby Microsoft Canada’s employees engage in speaking opportunities to share technology information with children and charities who would not otherwise have had access to this information.

  • new! : Through KidReach, Microsoft Canada provides charities with free technical support and assistance, including product installation, maintenance and lesson preparation.

  • new! Through KidReach, Microsoft Canada provides the Special Olympics with free software and technical support.

  • new! Microsoft Canada provides ongoing support for special events and exhibits, helping to ensure that technology is seen as both fun and exciting.

  • new! The leading charity in the field of product philanthropy, Gifts In Kind International and Microsoft Canada have recently opened the Technology Learning Centre at the Dovercourt Boys’ and Girls’ Club in Toronto, giving technology access to over 700 children in that community.

  • new! : Microsoft Canada is firmly committed to supporting the Hands on IT project, which gives teachers access to software, training and support. This is a partnership which shares a vision of a school system that provides 900,000 children in the Greater Toronto area, with the greatest opportunity to learn and develop.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft home page at http://microsoft.com/canada/ .

Microsoft Canada Inc. Hill and Knowlton

Lora Gernon

(905) 568-0434, ext. 4121

Mia Pearson (416) 480-7325

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