|
CAI in a nutshell
The campaign and ultimately the Trust aims at providing disabled New Zealanders with Internet ready computers. Traditionally computers have a limited life cycle before they become obsolete. Many companies and individuals upgrade their computers on a more or less regular basis. These are the computers we try to obtain. In addition to donated computers we buy ex-lease products. Donated computers are usually given to a disabled person in the area in order to minimise unnecessary transport costs. Ex-lease products are shipped direcly to the recipient. All this is organised by us. We do not deal directly with individuals, only with the members of the staff of a social service agency. 
Some publications who supported us with free advertising in the early days.
Thank you!
Please click here to enlarge image.
|
Also, we ask social/case workers to arrange an article with the recipient in the local paper or any other media (if possible TV). This often boosts the self-esteem of the recipients, promotes the involvement of the agency in the community, and, of course, it makes CAI more attractive to potential sponsors/marketing partners.
Mandy Lee, one of the early recipients of a computer (from the Western Leader).
Please click here to enlarge image.
To make this clear: We’re not asking the case worker to write an article (the media organisation will do this), nor the recipient of the computer to approve it (only permission for publication). Simply contacting the media is sufficient. Then it is up to them how they report it.
|
History
In September 2000 CAI was conceived as an idea. After several people were asked for their perception a test was run and it worked well. Letters were sent out and CAI started to grow. In October TV 3's 20/20 programme screened a very successful appeal for computers. Following this were the annual awards of the New Zealand NetGuide magazine. The proceeds of these awards go to a different charity each year. On the 16. November 2000 it was announced that COMPUTERS AGAINST ISOLATION was to receive this years proceeds to build a web site. Development The influx of funds paved the way for the formation of a charitable trust. The COMPUTERS AGAINST ISOLATION TRUST was born and in 2001 trustees were appointed. 
Around the same time a logo type was developed by Scott Harley from Transistor. This logo features in all advertising.
|
Long term (depending on techno-logical development) the campaign might have to be called TECHNOLOGY AGAINST ISOLATION.
Please click here to enlarge image.
During the following years advertisements were run in NZ publications like Auckland Metro Magazine, North & South, The Listener, Time Magazine, TV Guide, and others. These ads were donated by those publications. In addition there appeared several PR articles in newspapers and magazines.
Goals • To obtain computers (and technological devices) for disabled people in New Zealand. • To spread the word via the Internet . • To secure sponsorships and marketing partnerships for further development and growth. • Search for ideas consistent with the aims and objectives of CAI. |
___________________________________________
A word from the founder, Wolfgang Wolf.
Wolfgang Wolf, BA SocPrac. (Major Couns.),
Dipl. Cdm.
Back in 2000 I founded this charity, “Computers Against Isolation” (CAI), which buys ex-lease computers and gives them to disabled people.
Sometimes we get computers donated and we find a needy person who gets it. 
Chelsey Batchelor, Massey, Auckland (from the Western Leader). Please click here to enlarge image.
|
The reason why I set up CAI was obviously my own stroke. Even though it didn’t happen till ten years after my stroke. I received a forced appreciation of being at the bottom of the social ladder.
Suppose it gave me time to deal with this culture shock. It was quite a change from a BMW into a wheelchair. Even though many people think so, CAI is not an organisation. No staff, no offices – just out of my house in Te Atatu South. "I can't believe that many tertiary institu-tions still teach social workers how to fill in forms, rather than how to think." |
I do this because I believe that in the 21st Century anyone (including the disabled) should have a computer. In this case it extends their comfort zone into cyberspace.
Geoff Boon,
Dunedin MS sufferer.
Recipient of a desktop computer (from the Dunedin Star).
Please click here to enlarge image.
|
Being a registered charity we have a board. We have a financial controller. He does the books at the end of the year, and is also on the board. We have a board member who wrote the above advertisement. Of course no salaries are paid.
We do, however, need all the help we can get. Every donation, no matter how small, is appreciated. The difference about CAI is that we do not have a formal application process – no forms to fill in. I simply don’t want to be a bureaucrat. But I don’t deal with individual recipients of computers, only with their advocates (social/case workers, field officers, etc.). They are asked to arrange some media |
coverage (mainly in their community paper) which is used to attract prospective partners/sponsors.
We know that the money has to come from somewhere. I have seen too many people who want to do good without being aware that someone has to pay for it. 
Abraham Evetts, Rotorua laptop recipient (from the Rotorua Weekender).
Please click here to enlarge image.
|
______________________________________________
"In the future companies will have to operate more socially responsible,
and charities more business-like." Wolfgang Wolf, CAI
|
Corporate Social Responsibility is not just a buzz word.
It is increasingly becoming part of the marketing mix of companies who have recognized the importance of social responsibility. Traditionally companies were mainly concerned with a financial bottom line. In today’s changing world many companies work towards a triple bottom line: financial, social, and environmental.
Apart from those three external areas CSR can also be implemented internally. Be it initiatives like waste reduction, disaster-survival kits under desks, or the adaption of “green” policies.
Even the positioning of complete companies, or products as being socially responsible. It can be used by big corporations for national campaigns, or a small corner shop who supports young mothers in the neighbourhood, who want to build a playground. CSR can attract committed staff and loyal customers alike. It is, however, a long-term obligation. If you want to see a return on your investment immediately, or see an increase in your market share tomorrow – it’s not for you. Similarly to the worth of logotypes which once received much criticism. Today, of course, we all know the ‘Golden Arches’, and Coca-Cola is a recognized brand around the globe. |
Successful CSR campaigns provide exceptional customer satisfaction levels. Research here, backed up overseas studies, has shown that at least a quarter (25%-30%) of New Zealanders prefer to buy (repeatedly) from a socially responsible company. And almost the same number of consumers thought it is a company’s responsibility to support community projects.
A fact that shouldn’t be underestimated. Undoubtedly, an increase in consumer awareness means an increase in consumer loyalty. “Computers Against Isolation” would like to help companies to be seen as a responsible citizen. This is why we are encourage sponsor companies to use the articles in their PR and other communication, like newsletters. Even use their sponsorship involvement in advertising campaigns, thus building 'Good Will'. Let us show you how it can work for you. Take the first step today and e-mail Wolfgang at "Computers Against Isolation". Please share the address (URL) of this web site with all your friends, like us on Facebook, and help us help less fortunate New Zealanders
CLICK HERE! http://www.givealittle.co.nz/org/cai12000 
|
______________________________________________
What you can do wherever you are!
|
Of course you can’t do much for disabled people here in New Zealand, unless you happen to be a millionaire who wants to get rid of some money. In this case please go straight to http://www.givealittle.co.nz/org/cai12000.
However, if you like the concept of ‘Computers Against Isolation’ there are, undoubtedly, some disabled people in your country who need your help. There is no money to be made. Actually, no salary is paid at all. But every now and then, you will get a Thank-You card similar to the one shown here, and this will be your reward................................a smile. Please feel free to get in touch with me for whatever reason: wolfgangwolf@xtra.co.nz |
Thank you note from 11 year old Chelsey Bachelor from Massey, Auckland.
|
Wolfgang Wolf is the founder of Computers Against Isolation. He can be found here as https://theglassishalffull.weebly.com/ and here as Conference Presenter & After-Dinner Speaker.
