On June 26, 2010, Calgary was the site for the first ever Smash for a Cure in support of the Canadian Diabetes Association.  The idea behind Smash for a Cure was to enable people who were frustrated with their technology (computers, cellphones, printers, etc.,) to vent their frustration using a variety of implements in an environmentally responsible manner.

All this for a minimum donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association of ten dollars.

Implements used to smash computers ranged from the relatively workaday tools such as sledge hammers, pitchforks and crowbars to the more sporty selections of hockey sticks and golf clubs.  Hapless computers and other pieces of faithless equipment were speared, tossed, flattened, dismembered and disemboweled with gusto while Don Cherry impersonator Clark Robinson provided color commentary.

Also in attendance was Darth Vader and members of the 501st Badlands Garrison Storm Troopers.  Vader was especially aggressive as he was to encouraged to “USE THE FORCE!” He was overheard muttering to a 4- in-1 HP Inkjet printer, “You have failed me for the last time”  and elected to use a golf club instead of either a force choke or blue electricity to destroy his robotic foe.

The centerpiece of the event was the Heavy Destruction Zone  where, for a minimum $100 donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association, you can use a 20 foot backhoe to smash your computer to kingdom come.  This piece of equipment was the Equalizer and was very popular with those who had trouble with lifting the sledgehammer.

Now, one may think that smashing computers would be an environmentally damaging activity.  However, it is not.

Computers are provided by the Electronics Recycling Association that it collects from its donation locations and brought on site for the smashing.  They are stripped of any the potentially damaging parts ( batteries, toner cartridges, etc.,) removed for proper disposal and the computer itself, and indeed any computer more than 5 years old, is recycled at a rate of $82.50 per ton regardless of its condition.

The computer is then smashed, swept up and placed in bins to be shipped directly to the recycler with minimal waste and no dangerous contamination of the environment.

The event raised approximately $1,000 for the Canadian Diabetes Association and attracted over 800 attendees.  Smash for a Cure received positive and detailed coverage on Breakfast Television, and Global News.  The Canadian Diabetes Association is excited to have us hold this event again and perhaps take it national within 3 – 5 years.

All in all, a smashing success!