To address the shortage of devices among students taking online classes, Power Mac Center has partnered with Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation for the UpTrade to Uplift program.

According to official figures, there are 21.7 million students who enrolled for the upcoming school year and only a little over 500,000 electronic devices available to lend to teachers and public school students. While the opening of classes has been delayed to October, online learning during the pandemic may still be difficult to attain because of the lack of devices among students and schools.

UpTrade to Uplift

“Power Mac Center is one with the education sector in upholding the need for education even in the face of COVID-19. We hope that through our UpTrade to Uplift program, the Filipino bayanihan spirit flourishes, helping us recover and move forward from this crisis. We invite everyone to lend a hand by donating their old devices, and together, we can elevate the lives of students in need,” said Joey Alvarez, Power Mac Center Director of Product Management, Marketing and Space Planning, in a press statement.

Those willing to help by participating in the UpTrade to Uplift program can donate any working MacBook, or smartphone or tablet of any brand, but it must have no screen damage and have properly functioning speakers and complete accessories such as chargers and charging cables.

All devices donated will be given to deserving schools in need through the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation.

Yellow Boat of Hope

Initially known to provide boats to students in rural areas who had to swim to get to school, the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation now gives school supplies and scholarships to deserving students and supports communities through medical and dental missions and livelihood programs. As of August, it has already distributed a total of 4,900 school boats and Adopt-a-Fisherman boats to over 200 communities. This September, the foundation is partnering with Power Mac Center to bridge deserving students in need and Power Mac Center customers who are looking for ways to make a difference.

“The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation was founded to improve children’s access to education in any way. In the face of a new obstacle in COVID-19, we are focused on giving them the technology needed to continue learning. Paddles up to Power Mac Center for its assistance in connecting us with good Samaritans. Hope sails, indeed,” said Jay Jaboneta, co-founder of the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation.

Donating devices

All Power Mac Center stores will accept device donations until Sept. 15 only. The discount value that donors will get in return depends on the iPhone model that they plan to purchase. The corresponding discounts are as follows.

Only one device donation is eligible for a discount. Customers cannot use the discount to purchase other products or convert it into cash, loyalty points, and services. The discount offer is valid on the day of the donation only. Other terms and conditions apply.

This initiative is part of Power Mac Center’s 26th anniversary celebration, which focuses on helping those who have been affected by the current health crisis and highlights the resilience, courage, and strength of Filipinos.