Thousands of kids in Toronto cannot afford an Internet connection and have insufficient or no access to a home computer. At a time when most people take access to such technology for granted, the struggle that these financially disadvantaged youth have to go through to finish even the simplest of school assignments is often forgotten.

Students have to wait on the family computer to become free or they are forced to go to the local library to research and complete school assignments. Without home access to a computer and Internet connection, kids fall behind in their technology literacy, their school work and ultimately, their self esteem suffers.

Merry Go Round Children’s Foundation recognizes those struggles. We want to ensure that financially disadvantaged kids in Toronto are digitally connected by providing them with brand-new computers, computer training and Internet safety seminars.

We also engage our Grade 7 students in monthly lunchtime sessions with Toronto Police Service officers also known as ‘eBuddies.’

Our mission is to enable financially disadvantaged students to achieve excellence in their academic and personal pursuits by providing them with brand-new computers and police mentorship.

While the brand-new computers ensure that students are equipped with the tools they need to be at a level playing field with their peers, the Toronto Police Officer “eBuddy” mentorship provides students with the motivational support that empowers them to pursue their dreams.