Samsung to donate technology to Autism Speaks Canada and SickKids

Supporting and giving back to the communities we serve has been a long-standing tradition at Samsung Electronics Canada. It’s an initiative that stems from our global vision that we thrive when our partners and communities thrive. We have always been committed to building and supporting programs and partners that make a meaningful impact. During these difficult times, Samsung Electronics Canada is dedicating resources to help partners in need overcome some of the barriers they’ve been presented with.

While we have always known that technology is an impactful, meaningful and helpful tool, today those impacts are being felt more than ever before. As a result, Samsung Canada is increasing its efforts by donating technology to two, long-standing partners requiring urgent support: Autism Speaks Canada and SickKids Foundation. These donations build upon our global efforts to date, which now surpass $33 million.

We have learned through our six-year partnership with Autism Speaks Canada that technology can positively impact the lives of people with autism and their families.  One in 66 Canadian children and youth are diagnosed with autism. Their everyday challenges vary and are only exacerbated during these challenging times. Autistic Canadians and their families are facing disruptions in accessing critical resources, supports, and services. Putting technology in their hands will support continuing education, accessing resources, regulating mental health and building virtual communities. To help, Samsung Electronics Canada and Autism Speaks Canada have partnered to donate 1,000 Galaxy Tab A tablets to autistic Canadians and their families.

SickKids, another long-term partner, is also facing some challenges due to measures to help protect the health and safety of staff, patients and families. During this time, all patients whose care is non-essential are at home with their families, and patients still at SickKids need to be there, staying mainly in their rooms. They can’t visit other patients and playrooms are mostly closed, or by appointment only – one kid at a time, to allow deep cleaning between visits. Families are limited to one parent or caregiver per visit. As this isolation can be incredibly challenging for families, Samsung Electronics Canada will be donating 200 Samsung Smart LED Health Care TVs to ensure every room at SickKids has a television that allows them to better access educational Child Life programming, entertainment and more.

We are also humbled by the outpouring of support that our employees have given to organizations that are close to their hearts. Samsung Electronics Canada is pleased to support our employee efforts, by continuing our employee donation matching program and supporting volunteering to give back virtually.  We are so impressed by how our people have come together to help.

Samsung will continue to evaluate ways to stay strong and connected in support of our colleagues, customers and communities.

We’ll get through this, together.