A Mission to Connect and Empower Seniors

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When Gordon Morton retired from his IT engineering career, he never imagined he’d have such a positive impact so many of his peers in the community he loves. A lifelong tech enthusiast and a Caledon resident since the early 1990s, he saw an opportunity to bridge the digital divide for seniors in his community when he was asked to volunteer with the Caledon Community Services (CCS) Computing-4-Seniors program (formerly known as Cyber Seniors). That commitment to empowering older adults with digital literacy has lasted more than a decade.

Gordon recalls how overwhelming tech can be for some seniors. Over time, he has helped countless seniors gain confidence, from sending their first email to video chatting with distant family members. For many, the program isn’t just about learning technology - it’s about reconnecting with loved ones, accessing important services and maintaining independence. It’s important work that helps to keep seniors safe online, whether they’re sharing family photos or banking online.

The Power of One-on-One Support

Unlike the traditional classroom setting for tech classes, Computing-4-Seniors assigns an individual coach to each student. This ensures that each student learns what’s important to them, at a pace with which they are comfortable. This approach has led to life-changing breakthroughs; one student, who was initially nervous about even touching a keyboard, eventually became confident enough to teach her husband how to use their laptop.

“I often hear how they’ve gotten help from their grandkids,” Gordon shares, “but we take the time to guide them through it so they can do it themselves.

More Than Just Tech Lessons

Beyond teaching digital skills, Gordon fosters community and connection. The program provides a space where seniors feel heard, supported and valued. During the isolation of COVID-19, Gordon played a pivotal role in helping seniors stay connected through virtual programs, enabling them to FaceTime family, send emails and access online resources.

His commitment to giving back extends beyond Computing-4-Seniors. Along with his wife and son, he also participates in CCS’s Father’s Day weekend fundraiser Velocity: Ride in Support of Caledon Seniors. This is an event that helps support the health, wellness and independence of seniors in the community. Participating allows Gordon to pair his love of cycling with his passion for giving back. His son travels across the country to spend Father’s Day and participate with him, and even his wife Elizabeth rides with them.

A Call to Trailblazers

Computing-4-Seniors is changing lives, but it needs more volunteers. With demand growing, and the fast pace of technology change, Gordon hopes to inspire others to step up. As a senior himself, he has found his work helping other seniors both impactful and rewarding, especially watching people light up as they accomplish something new. It has made his retirement fulfilling in a way he did not expect.

If you’re looking for a way to give back to the community, consider joining Computing 4 Seniors as a volunteer. Your time and support can transform lives and teaching others what you know about tech might just be as rewarding for you as it is for them.

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