Most of us have experienced a moment or two where we’d like to take a sledgehammer to our computer. For his Diabetes Summer Surge event, Chris McGoey-Smith, owner of Rocky Mountain Computer Repair, did just that! Smash for a Cure™ was a unique event where participants could let out that computer rage, recycle and help raise funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Chris was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in September 2008. Since that time, he’s been an advocate and fundraiser for diabetes research. The idea for Smash for a Cure™ came from Chris’ work in computers. Owning his own computer repair company, Chris has heard “I just want to smash it” many times. Once Chris had the idea, he contacted Recycle Alberta and the Electronics Recycling Association, who became a sponsor and arranged for all destroyed devices to be recycled.
On June 26, 2010, more than 500 people came out to the first annual Smash for a Cure™ Diabetes Summer Surge event where, for a small donation, old or broken computers and accessories were available to smash with hammers, hockey sticks, monkey wrenches, golf clubs and sledge hammers.
In addition, families enjoyed healthy food choices from Extreme Pita and Mucho Burrito, live music, an obstacle course and magicians and face painters. A Don Cherry look-a-like, the Calgary Stampeders and other local celebrities came out to cheer on the event. Darth Vader and a battalion of Storm Troopers even came out to take their turn in the smashing corral.
This was the first year for Smash for a Cure™, but surely won’t be the last. “We are already planning for next year, and it is going to be bigger and better” says Chris. “Eventually we hope that other cities will get involved, and Smash for a Cure™ will become a provincial – or even national – event.”
