A new not-for-profit organisation that aims to bridge the digital divide by loaning laptops and tablets to schools, charities and community groups in Wiltshire is appealing for further support after celebrating its first corporate supporter.
Mogers Drewett, a solicitor’s firm based in Bath, Frome, Sherborne and Wells, recently heard about the new organisation and has become the first company to sign up to its ‘Business Hive.’
The Wiltshire Digital Drive was born from the success of a laptop recycling initiative that existed during lockdown thanks to Westbury based IT company Priority IT. After recycling unwanted laptops to gift to families for home schooling it quickly became apparent that community groups and charities have also been forced to change the way they work and that the individuals they work with were also being impacted by lack of access to the internet.
Louise Kelly, Head of Marketing at Mogers Drewett said: “Normally at Christmas time we like to thank our clients and professional partners for their support during the year with a Christmas drink, but as this is not possible this year Mogers Drewett have decided to use the budget set aside for Christmas celebrations to support those most in need in our community. We are really proud to support such an amazing initiative as we know that access to laptops will make a real difference to people lives. If 2020 has taught us anything it’s the importance of people and businesses coming together to help and support each other.”
To make sure demand is met there will be two donation drives each year. During this time businesses, and individuals, will be invited to donate any unwanted laptops or tablets so they can be refurbished and reused where needed. The company is also appealing for businesses to support the cause financially if they can
Natalie Sherman, Director of Wiltshire Digital Drive, said: “We are so grateful and excited to be able to launch with the backing of our first corporate supporter. The financial support pledged by Mogers Drewett will ensure we can refurbish enough laptops to meet the anticipated demand in this first round of applications. It couldn’t have got this far without everyone’s support and generosity, but there’s so much more we can, and want, to do”.
For more information on how businesses can support the Wiltshire Digital Drive visit the Business Hive page on our website.