First Class Technologies (FCT) based on Britannia Enterprise Park in Lichfield is helping The Community Foundation for Staffordshire with its Donate IT Digital Scheme. 

For most of us, being online is an everyday part of life. However, there are still a significant number of people who don’t have access to computers, laptops or tablets. As a result, some of the everyday tasks that most of us take for granted like online shopping and internet banking are unavailable to those without access to digital technology. 

For those who are able to live their lives using the internet, the ever-changing improvement in the technological capabilities of such equipment provides a temptation to keep upgrading to the latest and greatest device, leaving a plethora of unloved electronic units that could end up in landfill, or be rehomed. 

It’s for this reason that a number of recycling centres have been set up around Staffordshire for people to donate pre-loved equipment, so it can be refurbished and donated to someone in need.  

First Class Technologies is helping The Community Foundation for Staffordshire by reviewing the donated technology.  To date, FCT has repurposed around 100 redundant computers, laptops and tablets to establish whether they can be successfully factory reset and reformatted to extend the life of each device. 

Richard Hinton, Managing Director of First Class Technologies explains: “E-waste is a growing waste stream across the world, so we’re proud to be doing our bit to give these older devices a new lease of life. It’s a pleasure to be supporting The Community Foundation for Staffordshire with this project by donating our staff’s time free of charge to review, factory reset and reformat devices in order that they can be rehomed to those who desperately need access to such technology.” 

Jo Cooper from The Community Foundation for Staffordshire says: “We’re very grateful to First Class Technologies for providing the expertise and time to support this important cause. These refurbished computers can be distributed to individuals and small community groups across Staffordshire, including children and young people as well as the elderly, disabled and those who are financially vulnerable, as well as some voluntary groups across the county, offering life-changing opportunities and helping to reduce isolation and loneliness.” 

If you’d like further information or wish to donate some equipment, please email office@staffordshire.foundation for more details.

Photo Credit: Joe Rula at First Class Technologies with some of the donated IT equipment.