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