Image from Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation website

Recognizing the shortage of devices among students taking online classes because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Apple partner Power Mac Center, in partnership with the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, is utilizing its UpTrade program to provide customers an opportunity to help fellow Filipinos in need.

In turn, those who will donate old devices will get corresponding discounts on their next iPhone purchase. This initiative is part of PMC’s 26th-anniversary celebration this 2020, which focuses on helping those who have been affected by the current health crisis and highlights the resilience, courage, and strength of Filipinos.

“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.

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Citing government figures, PowerMac said there are 21.7 million students enrolled for the upcoming school year and only a little over 500,000 electronic devices are available to lend to teachers and public school students.

Those willing to help by participating in PMC’s 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 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 boats

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 2020, 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 PMC 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.

Device donations are accepted at all Power Mac Center stores until Sept. 15, 2020 only. The discount value that donors get in return depends on the iPhone model that they plan to purchase. The corresponding discounts are as follows: