How we do it

The CAFÉ receives donations of late model PC’s from large organizations who frequently upgrade their computers. This way CAFÉ receives large quantities of processors that are often from the same manufacturer and of similar model.

The process of getting, preparing, sending and training takes money. BUT – CAFÉ goes to great lengths to accomplish its missions in the most economic way possible.

CAFÉ relies on donations from other Rotary Clubs, organizations and Individuals who find CAFÉ’s efforts a worthwhile venture.

All PC’s need to get to a CAFÉ warehouse in Fairmont or Minneapolis Minnesota so that they can be refurbished and prepared with the proper operating system and programs for the purposes they are intended. Frequently organizations that ship their own goods or individuals with adequate transport will pick up and deliver PC’s for CAFÉ.
When completely set up, the CAFÉ PC’s must get to the organization that will ship CAFÉ's computers. Organizations mentioned above at times perform this function as well.
PC’s will then be shipped to remote areas in developing countries. Faith based organizations such as Global Health Ministries, frequently will include the CAFÉ computers with the medical supplies that they ship to these same areas. Other possibilities are - making “deals” with companies that send shipping containers of their good to the U.S. These containers often go back to the companies empty. CAFÉ attempts to have the containers filled with its computers.
If the computers must be boxed, CAFÉ makes every effort to use good clothing for packing material so that every inch of shipping space is utilized with much needed materials.
Two or three teacher/technicians travel to the areas receiving PC’s to help test and repair any PC damaged in shipping, teach school instructors new to PC’s or train medical personnel who previously had no means of keeping adequate records about patients and medical inventories. Any way you look at it – sending people to developing countries is costly. But – it is very necessary to the final success of the project.