Phil, a former Computer Comfort participant, is now a Computer Comfort volunteer. He wanted to do “something hands on” to give back to the Neil Squire Neil Squire Society (new window) after 6 months of participation in the Computer Comfort Program.

Originally from Bombay, India (new window), Phil came to Canada by way of Tanzania (new window) where he was a school teacher for 16 years in the 1950’s and 60’s. He lived in Merit, British Columbia (new window), but moved to Vancouver to be nearer to a proper hospital when his wife began having heart trouble.

After Phil’s wife passed away, about three years ago, he began to spend his time volunteering. Besides computer tutoring for the Neil Squire Society (new window), he also volunteers at Amica at Rideau Manor (new window) and participates in the choir at the Confederation Centre in Burnaby (new window). He learned about the Neil Squire Society (new window) from one of his fellow volunteers.

Phil, who has arthritis (new window), already had some basic computer skills when he joined the Computer Comfort Program. However, when he tried teaching himself anything beyond searching the internet and using email he felt like he was “groping around in the dark.” He has come a long way! During his time as a Computer Comfort participant he learned how to upload and manage photos and how to make basic budgets. Now, as a volunteer, he is learning “the intricacies of computers, including hardware.”

We are very pleased to have someone with Phil’s teaching experience volunteering in the Computer Comfort Program!