In this Afropolitan Dialogues podcast episode, operations executive and entrepreneur Eric McRae shares his mission to close the digital divide for seniors across Canada through his work with Connected Canadians. From empowering older adults with essential tech skills to engaging newcomers as volunteers, Eric dives into how purpose-driven models can foster intergenerational impact, equity, and digital literacy.
Eric McRae brings a wealth of experience from the corporate world and entrepreneurship to the nonprofit sector. Now a leading force behind Connected Canadians, Eric discusses how this national nonprofit supports seniors in navigating the digital world through free, customized, one-on-one tech coaching and workshops.
Eric explains how Connected Canadians uses a person-centred and volunteer-driven approach, often engaging newcomers to Canada as digital mentors, creating a powerful cross-generational and cross-cultural bridge. He outlines the growing need for digital literacy and online safety programs tailored for older adults, especially amid the rise of AI-powered scams and phishing threats.
He also reflects on lessons learned from co-founding coworking spaces, mentoring through arts-based initiatives, and his involvement in organizations such as Art for Mental Health and the Factory at the University of Ottawa, which blend creativity, science, and social purpose.
This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in social entrepreneurship, nonprofit growth strategies, digital inclusion, and the human side of tech.
Key topics & timestamps
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[00:02:24] From Corporate to Purpose-Led
“I wanted to help build out a model so that we could support seniors… because we don’t want anyone to be left behind.”
— Eric McRae -
[00:04:29] Connecting Seniors with Newcomers
The organization intentionally pairs older adults with immigrant volunteers seeking local experience, creating mutual benefits for both groups. -
[00:07:44] Preparing for AI and Scams
Eric discusses how they’re preparing seniors for the rise of AI-generated scams through security-focused digital literacy programs. -
[00:11:01] Person-Centred Coaching
All sessions are customized, and volunteers receive training in empathy, communication, and adaptability, especially for working with individuals experiencing memory loss. -
[00:13:36] Tech, Art & Community Building
Eric’s work spans from scientific-artistic collaborations at Factory to therapeutic art events with Art for Mental Health. -
[00:17:12] Funding and Support Systems
Connected Canadians is funded through a combination of grants, community partnerships, and corporate sponsors, including TD and Amazon. -
[00:18:48] Reaching Seniors Nationwide
Services are delivered across Canada, often virtually, and in multiple languages, thanks to the diverse backgrounds of our volunteers. -
[00:21:29] Growth Vision
The next frontier includes expanding sessions and focusing on digital safety and scam prevention. -
[00:23:13] Advice to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs
“You need a simple, clear message and a financially sustainable model.” -
[00:25:54] The Elevator Pitch
“We help seniors understand and use technology successfully and meet them in a place they need us to be.”
Impactful quotes from the conversation
“Everybody has a mother, a father, an uncle, or an aunt who doesn't quite get it... and we don’t want anybody to be left behind.”
— Eric McRae on why Connected Canadians matters
“Don’t let fear shut down your experience and learning.”
— Eric McRae on teaching seniors how to navigate tech safely
“It’s really about informing and educating—how to manage and navigate that world.”
— Eric McRae on fighting scam vulnerability with knowledge
“You have to know your numbers and your pipeline—it’s key for sustainability.”
— Eric McRae on building viable nonprofits
Connect with Eric McRae
- LinkedIn: Eric McRae on LinkedIn
- Organization Website: Connected Canadians
More about Connected Canadians
- Offers free tech literacy support for older adults across Canada
- Pairs seniors with trained volunteers, often newcomers to Canada
- Provides programming in up to 12 different languages
- Partners with organizations like TD, Adobe, and the National Gallery of Canada
About Afropolitan Dialogues
Afropolitan Dialogues features in-depth and insightful conversations with Black changemakers from around the world in music, the arts, entrepreneurship, and beyond. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform and visit podcast.afrotoronto.com to hear more episodes.
Final thought
In a world moving at digital warp speed, Eric McRae reminds us that true innovation is human-centred—and that meaningful impact often begins with simply helping someone else connect.
