Geeks are Reaching a Turning Point

Since 2003, Geeks on Ice have been helping those who are impacted by the Digital Divide. The Digital Divide refers to the gap between those with regular, effective access to digital and information technology, and those without this access. Everyone knows that we live in very connected world. Given the current state of the global economy combined with the shift in consumer patterns of the emerging X and Y generations, non-profits are struggling to find new means to offer services and raise funding.

While many for-profit companies have become reliant on technological innovations to connect with online communities and empower employees, the non-profit sector faces an uphill climb. In recent years we have made it our mission to transform non-profit agencies like BUILT Network, Ability Transit, Support for Single Parents and the Riverview Boys and Girls Club into digital havens.

We are pleased to announce that 2009 is no exception! Geeks on Ice have selected Turning Points Youth Parent Center (http://www.scribd.com/doc/13711493/Turning-Points-Youth-Center) as this year’s recipient. Turning Points is an exceptional organization that provides support to teen parents in obtaining their high school diploma. It is said that in a teenage pregnancy, two generations are at risk; through the support of Turning Points teenage parents can ensure a bright future for themselves and their child.

Geeks on Ice are raising money to help build a computer lab so that teenage parents have access to the equipment they need to complete assignments and receive tutoring. Your organization can make a significant difference in the lives of of neighbours and invest in our community’s future by doing any of the following:

· Raise pledges using our pledge sheet: (http://www.scribd.com/doc/13714542/Geeks-on-Ice-2009-Pledge-Sheet)
· Buy raffle tickets at the Geeks on Ice tournament from April 2-5th
· Donate computer equipment to help build a computer lab
· Volunteer your time and expertise
· Contact Micha Fardy at 506.858.8600 for all other inquiries

Finally, If your team is playing in the Geeks on Ice tournament, then you are eligible for the Rising Stars Most Generous Geeks award going to the team/organization that raises the most amount of money during the tournament. Service Canada has won the award every year since it was introduced back in 2005.

For more information on the tournament and the fundraiser, or to volunteer go to http://www.geeksonice.com/ or email geeksonice@gmail.com.

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Media Contact:
Geeks on Ice: Trevor MacAusland 872-2348

United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB: Micha Fardy 858-8600

GEEKS LACE UP FOR THEIR COMMUNITY

February 8, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Moncton, NB – Registration is now open for the 5th Annual Geeks on Ice gentlemen’s hockey tournament co-sponsored by the City of Moncton and Enterprise Greater Moncton. Since 2003, individuals and organizations across Atlantic Canada that share a passion for information technology, their community and hockey have participated in this family oriented event. This tournament, in partnership with the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB, raises funds for IT investments for community non-profit agencies

“The City of Moncton is very proud to be a co-title sponsor for the 2008 Geeks On Ice Hockey Tournament. This event is another opportunity to showcase Moncton as a leader in information technology, a leader in community development, and a leader in hosting great events,” said Ben Champoux, Business Development Specialist with The City of Moncton. “We know the importance of strengthening the IT capacity of our community non-profit sector and we are proud to be partnering with Geeks On Ice and United Way to make the 5th Annual event an even greater success.”

“This event truly enhances the benefits of doing business in the Greater Moncton region by matching economic development and community involvement,” said John J. Thompson, Chief Executive Officer at Enterprise Greater Moncton. “It is another testament that Greater Moncton is working together and continuously finding new and unique ways to increase the economic prosperity of the region.”

To date Geeks On Ice has invested over $15,000 back into the community to help agencies better serve the youth and families of Southeastern New Brunswick. “Being a non-profit organization, it is very difficult to acquire and maintain reliable computer equipment capable of handling the operations of our Club,” explains Andrew LeBlanc, Program Coordinator for the Riverview Boys and Girls Club. “The equipment and technical support from Geeks On Ice has allowed us to better track programs and opportunities for the youth we serve. Our focus can remain on the youth and the Club instead of hours wasted trying to send an email, access a program or design a simple graphic. We also upgraded the computers in our drop-in centres’ Homework Computer room; connected to the internet, we are now able to give our kids supervised internet access.”

Geeks on Ice will run from April 17-20, 2008 at the Moncton 4 Ice Centre. “Last year we were very impressed with the families that came out to support the players! Many folks traveled from Saint John, PEI and elsewhere,” added Warren Frizzell, General Manager of the Tim Horton’s 4 Ice Centre. “This year we are really looking forward to supporting Geeks on Ice with their focus on family fun during the tournament.”


Deadline for registration is February 29, 2008 and the first 16 teams registered will play in the event, so register early! For more information on the tournament and the IT fundraiser, or to register go to http://www.geeksonice.com/ or email geeksonice@gmail.com.


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Media Contact:
Geeks on Ice: Trevor MacAusland 872-2348United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB:
Micha Fardy 858-8600

Introducing...

Hello,

By way of introduction, my name is Jason Clements and I am your 2008 Geeks on Ice Tournament Chair. Since 1999, I have been employed with the Public Service filling many roles within an information technology capacity. I currently serve as an IM/IT Systems Analyst responsible for providing technical documentation on various in-house applications.

I have played in the Geeks on Ice tournament since 2005 as a member of the Service Canada team. I look forward every year for the opportunity to network with my peers in the community, have fun playing hockey and raising awareness of the negative impact that the absence of technology has on the non-profit sector.

For 2 years, I have served in a leadership role with the Public Service to run a charitable campaign which raises funds for the United Way and other charitable organizations. However, it is my passion for hockey, community and information technology that has led to my decision to serve the Geeks on Ice cause.

Trevor’s vision for the tournament and the investments made over the last couple of years has motivated me to participate in a deeper capacity than just a player. I look forward to working on the challenges and opportunities ahead in relation to our plan for global expansion, tournament competitiveness, creating a family focused atmosphere, and celebrating the technology sector.

I am excited to work with the tournament committee, who are a great group of individuals. For five years, past committee members have made this tournament a great event for every stakeholder and I am delighted that most of our past members are on board again this year allowing us to build on our past successes.

Geeks on Ice has built a great forum for people and organizations who share a passion for information technology and hockey to network and collaborate in “eliminating the digital divide”. If you have not already, we encourage you to reach us at geeksonice@gmail.com to register a team, as a free agent or sponsor the event. I look forward to meeting all of you from April 17-20 at the Geeks on Ice tournament!

Sincerely,

Jason Clements
2008 Tournament Chair
Geeks on Ice
www.GeeksonIce.com


geeksonice@gmail.com

Geeks on Ice 2008: Registration is now open!

Registration is now open for the 5th annual Geeks on Ice gentlemen’s hockey tournament! Since 2003, individuals and organizations across Atlantic Canada that share a passion for information technology, their community and hockey have participated in this family oriented event. This event, in partnership with the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB Region, raises funds for IT investments for Community non-profit agencies.

To date Geeks On Ice has invested over $15,000 back into the community to help agencies better serve the youth and families of Southeastern NB. “Being a non-profit organization, it is very difficult to acquire and maintain reliable computer equipment capable of handling the operations of our Club.” explains Andrew LeBlanc Program Coordinator for the Riverview Boys and Girls Club, ”The equipment and technical support from Geeks On Ice has allowed us to better track the programs and opportunities for the youth we serve. Our focus can remain on the Youth and the Club instead of hours wasted trying to send an email, access a program or design a simple graphic. We also upgraded the computers in our Drop in Centre’s Homework Computer room; connected to the internet, we are now able to give our kids supervised internet access.”

Geeks on Ice will run from April 17th-20th at the Greater Moncton 4 Ice Centre. Deadline for registration is February 29th and the first 16 teams registered will play in the event, so register early!

To register and for more information on the tournament and the IT fundraiser go to www.GeeksonIce.com or email geeksonice@gmail.com.


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Media Contact:
Geeks on Ice: Trevor MacAusland 872-2348
United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB: Micha Fardy 858-8600

Forbes: Business And Community

Everyone knows by now that I am a big fan of Scott McNealy's vision and ambition to eliminate the digital divide. Since Geeks on Ice has reinvented ourselves based upon the principles of business and community collaboration, I thought I would share the following commentary from the man himself. Enjoy!

~Trevor MacAusland

Commentary
Business And Community
by Scott McNealy
12.14.05, 6:00 AM ET

We're really just beginning to understand the Internet--a phenomenon that has not only changed the way we do business, with more and more of it happening online, but also the way we think about it.

Who would have thought, only a few years ago, that business leaders have a responsibility to their shareholders to build communities and encourage participation?

Read the rest of the commentary here

Geeks on Ice plan to take on the world

Annual Metro Moncton fundraising hockey tourney aims to spread to other countries

By Yvon GauvinTimes & Transcript staff
Published Saturday November 24th, 2007
Appeared on page A4


Geeks on Ice is going global with its campaign to provide non-profit organizations with the tools to become more efficient and effective.

The event, created by information and communications technology professionals to raise money for computers and computer software for United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick member organizations, is widening its scope to include participating of outside firms in the fund-raising and on-ice play in 2008.

Over the past five years, the Geeks on Ice campaign -- which culminates with a hockey tournament in Moncton -- raised more than $15,000 to buy desktop and laptop computers, hardware and software along and offer professional expertise for non-profit groups who might not be able to afford them or the upgrades to help them in their quest.

Among the United Way member organizations that have received help to date include the YWCA, Tantramar Family Resource Centre, Riverview Boys & Girls Club, Moncton Regional Learning Council and Memramcook atelier l'Artisan.

Campaign organizers are calling the 2008 event Skate to Eliminate the Digital Divide where the goal is to close the gap between those organizations with "regular, effective access to digital information technology, and those without this access."

The first step is to rally community stakeholders then work to eliminate this "threat to education, economic development and social services."

Limited access to computers and emerging technologies hamper an organization's efforts to deliver key services, said organizers.

The Geeks on Ice World Championships take place April 17-20 in Moncton and is open to all ICT related firms across the world.

A celebrity player draft for the top four teams will be held. The top teams are those that raise the most money and donates the most expertise to United Way agencies. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers.

The targets for the campaign include traditional ICT market areas in Silicon Valley, New England, Ottawa, Waterloo, Ont., Redmond, Wash., Texas and Europe. Professionals from those areas will be invited to form teams and come to Moncton to play in the tournament or as spectators.

A Geek Week Conference is also planned for the same week with some of the brightest minds around the world expected to attend and discuss such topics as digital divide, web 3.0, economic development, raising venture capital and leadership. Participation to the conference is open to everyone.

The organization describes Geek Warriors as mild mannered ICT professionals who work in consulting, programming, web design, networking, marketing, finance and sales to name a few. Geeks on Ice and the United Way are looking for people to join their steering committee and help with recruiting, fund-raising and the mission itself.
Inquiries should be directed by e-mail to geeksonice@gmail.com

PG Canucks pick Leblanc, Maxwell in first round of Labatt's Blue Line League Draft

From The Press Box

Introducing The Press Box! Your newsletter for everything Geeks on Ice. In this issue:

• Reaching Self-Sufficiency
• Eliminating the Digital Divide
• Answering the Call
• Geeks on Ice World Championship
• 2007 Campaign Update
• Access to Professional Expertise
• Geek Warriors
• Rising Stars
• Help Wanted!

Read The Press Box here

Geeks on Ice Cybersocial Summary

Geeks on Ice readies the community to face-off against the digital divide

Last night I had the privilege to share a sneak peek of the new Geeks on Ice vision at the monthly Cybersocial. We shared the list of symptoms many non-profit agencies in our region face due to the digital divide. For those who are not familiar with the term digital divide, it is best described as the gap between those with physical access to technology hardware and, more broadly, skills and resources which allow for its use and those without this access.

Attendees heard me explain how Geeks on Ice have invested in hardware and software upgrades, however; without the access to professional expertise these agencies struggle to maximize the full extent of the equipment we provide. Digital illiteracy is crippling to organizations that have to correspond, collaborate and request funding through the electronic forum of the participation age.

To respond to an obvious gap to the Geeks on Ice mandate, our vision committee reinvented the mission to purchase computer equipment and software using funds raised through the annual hockey tournament, offer professional expertise to member agencies and promote community collaboration. In short, Geeks on Ice will not stop skating until the digital divide is eliminated!

In order to fill the need for professional expertise, the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB was on hand to collect names of volunteers ready to be Geek Warriors who will serve on the front lines in our battle to defeat the digital divide in our communities. These heroes, individuals and organizations, will provide a few hours of their time to lend their professional expertise to local member agencies.

Participants were also very enthusiastic to hear that Geeks on Ice wants to see the group of volunteers evolve into a formal committee which will work towards the creation of a Geek University where not only the non-profit sector benefits from workshops and mentoring, but where small to medium sized organizations can also participate in the process to help our entire economy overcome the challenges caused by the digital divide.

If you are interested in learning more about the Geek Warriors or Geeks on Ice, please send all inquiries to geeksonice@gmail.com.

Click here to download a copy of our Cybersocial presentation.

Lead The Fight Against Digital Illiteracy

When the province released its much anticipated Non-Profit Task Force report, few who have volunteered for non-profit agencies were surprised by the findings. Access to consistent funding, professional resources and cost overruns have long been issues that have limited the efficiency and productivity of organizations whom provide key services to the community. Services offered by New Brunswick’s non-profit sector are keys to creating an environment of support to our workforce which results in a positive contribution to the province’s economy.

Among one of the key findings in the report was the topic of illiteracy and the challenges this epidemic posses to our economic development. While illiteracy in our province must be addressed in order for this province to reach its goal of self-sufficiency, there is another obstacle that will hinder our role in the global economy if it not addressed. Digital illiteracy is caused by a digital divide between those with physical access to technology hardware and, more broadly, skills and resources which allow for its use and those without this access.

Through a partnership with the United Way of Greater Moncton and Souhteastern NB region, Geeks on Ice has invested in over $15,000 in member agencies in an effort to help close the gap caused by the digital divide in our region. Other organizations, Like the Rogers call center, have donated refurbished computer equipment no longer being used to assist in the fight against a growing divide.

While investment in computer equipment and software has provided agencies a level playing field in relation to technology hardware investment there still remains a knowledge gap for their volunteers, employees and customers to leverage the investment. Digital illiteracy exists among all sectors of our economy and threatens our economic competitiveness on a global stage.

If we confront digital illiteracy, a domino effect will take place in the province that will encourage organizations to embrace the participation age. One digitally literate the community will be able to collaborate with their peers across the globe and reduce operating expenses through the use of open source technologies which enhances our economic competitiveness.

Identification of a digital divide has led Geeks on Ice to challenge the ICT sector to play a front line role in combating this enemy of self-sufficiency. We are asking professionals and organizations who can contribute to the fight to eliminate the digital divide to attend the upcoming Cybersocial this Wednesday evening at City Hall beginning at 5pm. With your knowledge and resources we can bridge the digital divide in our community and set an example for the rest of the world to follow.

Trevor MacAusland

Founder

Geeks on Ice

CyberSocial: Nov.14 - Geeks on Ice / McKenzie College

This month you'll be hearing from...

When: Wednesday, November 14th, 2007, 5-7pm
Where: City Hall, 655 Main St, 6th Floor
Who: Geeks on Ice / McKenzie College

"The gap between organizations with regular access to digital and information technology, and those without this access is growing larger in our community. The digital divide encompasses both physical access to technology hardware and, more broadly, skills and resources which allow for its use. For years, Geeks on Ice has invested over $15,000.00 in hardware upgrades for United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB member agencies in order to overcome this gap while providing ICT professionals an organic way to network through sport.
The Geeks on Ice presentation at the upcoming Cybersocial will focus on the group's plan to build a volunteer group of ICT professionals called Geek Warriors who are willing to assist in the fight to eliminate the digital divide for member agencies by developing their skills and resources to leverage the use of the annual Geeks on Ice hardware investment. On hand will be Trevor MacAusland (Founder of Geeks on Ice) and Micha Fardy (United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB)."

Geeks Launching 5-year Vision Plan at ICT Showcase

For Immediate Release
April 22, 2007

Geeks Launching 5-year Vision Plan at ICT Showcase

Moncton, NB – Most people are aware of the fiscal have’s and have not’s, but do you know about the digital version? The digital divide is described as the gap between those who benefit from digital technology and those who do not.

ICT professionals from across the globe warn that if divides between the digital have and have not is not bridged, goals of self sufficiency for have not’s are at risk. The problem of digital divide is not new to the ICT sector, however; for most non-profit organizations and the general public the issue is not top of mind when thinking about how they interact with business, government or non-profits.

“Many organizations across this region know that they must invest in technology to keep themselves competitive and relevant in today’s globalized economy”, explains Trevor MacAusland, Founder of Geek on Ice. “There is a willingness among these organizations to embrace new technologies, however; there is an enormous gap related to knowledge and training on how to leverage their technology investment”.

For the past 2 years, Geeks on Ice have invested in over $15,000.00 in computer equipment upgrades for non-profits. That investment has helped United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB member agencies, however; the group noticed that most member agencies did not know how to maximize the use of their investment and leverage low cost technologies like open source and VOIP. The Geeks committee has indicated that this issue is not only a non-profit problem, but an issue for SME’s in the region who could export products internationally.

Mr. MacAusland believes that through repositioning the Geeks on Ice vision, their group can attract ICT professionals who are willing to volunteer to help organize or fund a Digital Divide conference in April. The Geek University conference would run the week leading up to the annual Geeks on Ice World Championships hockey tournament in Moncton. Geek University would be open to non-profit organizations and SME’s to teach them on how to leverage emerging open source technologies and showcase the region’s ICT workers to an international stage as the group would broadcast the workshops on their website.

“Our group sees a significant ROI for the entire community if we can help transfer our knowledge of technology to those who might consider themselves technology illiterate” says MacAusland. “Through this initiative, Geeks on Ice will focus on leaving a lasting legacy that will serve as an enabler to self-sufficiency for local organizations and the regional economy.”

The group plans to launch the full details of their new five-year vision at the upcoming ThinkNB ICT Showcase next month. As such, Geeks on Ice would like to invite past participants and members of the public to drop by their booth to discuss their goal to eliminate the digital divide.

To register on line for free, simply go to http://www.blogger.com/www.thinknbpensernb.ca, click on the REGISTER ONLINE button and enter the following VIP code: TNB160. Think New Brunswick will be open from 9am -5pm on Wednesday, November 21st at Fredericton’s Aitken Center.

For more information on Geeks on Ice, contact geeksonice@gmail.com or go to http://www.geeksonice.com/.

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Contact: Trevor MacAuslandCo-Chair Geeks on Ice 2007geeksonice@gmail.com

Background

Geeks on Ice was founded in 2003 by an employee of a local software company. The purpose of the event was to provide peers an opportunity to network in a market not traditionally known for its ICT prowess. The vision was to organize an annual hockey tournament comprised of teams from across Atlantic Canada. These teams would converge on Moncton, NB annually to participate in an organic networking atmosphere. The objective was to eliminate networking barriers through sport outside of the corporate environment.

In 4 years, the tournament has doubled in size and has branched out to support local non-profit organizations in their quest to keep up with rapidly changing technology requirements. No longer would a non-profit organization’s services suffer due to archaic or absence of technologies.

With 2008 being the fifth anniversary, the committee has decided to embark on an exercise to set the evolution of open source hockey.

Technology Training: The Nonprofit Viewpoint

Lack of resources often a challenge

"Many nonprofits fear that proper technology training will take time away from critical mission work. Read about how to overcome obstacles to training in your organization."

Read the rest here: Link
Or copy this into your browser: http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/training/page5421.cfm

This article really highlights the digital divide between non-profit and for-profit organizations. As part of a renewed vision for Geeks on Ice, see building a local organization which professionals can volunteer to their time to conduct workshops/training for local non-profits.

The goal is to help them with their struggle to meet growing demands for their services. This new Geeks on Ice vision plan will be released soon and I sincerely hope the community rallies around our goal to eliminate the digital divide.

-Trevor MacAusland

Geeks on Ice/Geeks sur Glace 2008

It seems forever since we last capped off another successful year of hockey for local geeks. While we have been getting some much needed rest, we are pleased to announce that plans for the 5th annual Geeks on Ice hockey tournament have begun.

While details will soon follow, we do promise that you will be amazed with what we have planned for 2008 and beyond! The world of ICT will never see us coming as we look at filling technology gaps around the globe.

Stay tuned to see how Geeks on Ice is going to try and end the digital divide!

Wired: Geeks to the Rescue..

I ran across this great article by Clive Thompson (Read Here)which makes a case that "Geeks" like Bill Gates are the right kind of reasoned thinkers that can change the world.

To date, Geeks on Ice has focused on a regional mission to reduce the digital divide of our non-profits to help the less fortunate. Throughout this time I have observed the mindset of Geeks and agree with Clive that we have a very high level and pragmatic method of raising awareness for a cause and contributing large sums of money to help that cause.

Tell us what you think...

Link to article: http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/magazine/15-09/st_thompson