PRESS RELEASE
Life-changing uses for old Laptops and Macs – social enterprise announces Christmas drive to get businesses, universities and colleges to sign up
London, November 2023 – SocialBox.Biz, an innovative tech-focused social enterprise based in the UK dedicated to repurposing unwanted computers and related technology, is embarking on a mission to deliver batches of laptops and functional IT to partner charities in November and December just before Christmas. This initiative aims to extend its reach to more organisations willing to contribute their unused IT equipment.
Since 2014, donated technology has been pivotal in bridging the digital divide, providing refugees, homeless individuals, and older people who cannot afford computers access to IT technology and communication tools. Partner organisations like Migrant Help UK and Age UK London, C4WS, British Red Cross, The Passage and others...who provide shelter, sustenance, and other essential living necessities, also aid the disadvantaged in finding employment and education by identifying individuals who could benefit from a laptop to achieve their goals. This initiative also helps prevent recycling emissions.
Noteworthy beneficiaries include Yordanos, known as DJ Yordi, who arrived in Northern Ireland as a refugee from Eritrea. His laptop has been instrumental in navigating his music career. Another success story is Sebastian, who was homeless but managed to secure employment and career training with the help of his device. Yuliia, who arrived in Great Britain with her two sons under the Homes for Ukraine scheme fleeing the war, needed a laptop to learn English and support Ukrainian refugees. Also, her children can enhance their language skills thanks to the laptop.
Carolyn Williams, the Social Impact spokesperson for SocialBox.Biz, stated, "We are the only Community Interest Company that repurposes old but functional tech from companies, universities, and other large organisations, placing them in the hands of disadvantaged individuals in local UK communities. We offer on-site data removal services and load the technology with open-source software, solving common IT challenges for organisations while creating social impact for our clients. We've made significant strides, but with more partners, we can accomplish even more."
Peter Paduh, the founder and Chairman of SocialBox.Biz and a former Bosnian child refugee, commented, "My life transformed when I received an old computer to support my education and integration into British society. A simple laptop opened up a whole new world where I could apply for jobs, conduct research, and work towards my goals. Without a laptop, I wouldn't have achieved what I have. Donating usable laptops and other tech can provide a lifeline for refugees and other disadvantaged individuals striving to rebuild their lives."
Emily Rycroft‑Huddart, Employment Strategy Manager at The Passage charity that addresses homelessness, added: “SocialBox’s kind donations have had a profound impact on the people we support by bridging the digital divide for vulnerable individuals, including refugees and people experiencing homelessness, providing them essential tools for education, employment, and communication.”
SocialBox.Biz is committed to giving back to the community and has recently launched the 'Scholarships for Refugees and Homeless People' scholarship program. This initiative aims to support universities and colleges in their efforts to give back to the community and reduce emissions by reusing old tech before recycling it. The program provides funding for COMPTIAA+ training and more made possible through recent contributions of old but still functional Macbooks and computers from Imperial College London and Norwich University of the Arts.
Mylene Cannon, Support Manager of ICT, commented, “At Imperial College London, we believe in the transformative power of technology to drive positive change and empower communities. We proudly contribute to SociaBox.Biz's mission of fostering social innovation and sustainable development by donating devices that the university and our community no longer use”.
As part of its Christmas appeal, SocialBox.Biz urges organisations to collaborate with their CIO or IT managers to identify any old MacBooks, laptops, and other devices that are ready for a new home with those who need them most.
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Notes to Editor
About Peter Paduh, SocialBox.Biz Founder
Peter Paduh, a former unaccompanied Bosnian child refugee, was given an old laptop when he left a children’s home and moved to a foster family in 1993. He now wants to give back to British society by helping the underprivileged and older people develop IT skills with donated equipment so they have the same support that he received as a child.
About Social Box.Biz
With SocialBox.Biz, you can help reduce waste and give back to people in need across the UK. Call SocialBox.Biz first to check what can still be reused, you can still recycle the rest.SocialBox.Biz launched in 2014 to take unused and outdated laptops and other no longer needed but still usable technology from businesses, organisations, and other agencies and wipe them clean before upgrading with open source innovation and donating them to those in need. Today, the company is working towards larger donation milestones.
SocialBox.Biz IT service extends the lifespan of redundant laptops and computers, increases social impact and helps companies with CSR commitments. Donated laptops help refugees, older people, and people experiencing homelessness who need support with their education and career while also giving them a platform to communicate with friends and loved ones.
SocialBox.Biz’s long-standing initiative has been helping the most vulnerable who cannot afford a computer and homeless people get back on their feet, and refugees integrate into British society. With regular access to personal computers, disadvantaged individuals can practice basic job skills, shop for basic needs, and keep in touch with friends and family.
Available for Interview CEO and Founder Peter Paduh plus case studies relating to refugees, homelessness, migrants and older vulnerable individuals.
Example of Collected Devices
Impact Initiatives : Some Suitable Laptops Tablets / Smartphones Macbooks, iPads, iMacs, iPhones, and related Apple products.
Corporate Collection Arrangement
- Desktops, some Servers, Switches and Routers.
- Conference room AV equipment/ Coffee machines and vending machines.
- Telephones and Telecom equipment.
- Screens, keyboards and cables, docking stations, printers and copiers Backup drives and data tape
With the option of signing up to the CEO Pledge or Ongoing Corporate Impact plan for ongoing participation.
Case studies:
- Fatimah, a young refugee beneficiary of SocialBox.biz
- Homeless Man Finds Job and New Hope with SocialBox.Biz Laptop – Social and IT innovation
Pictures on request and here:
https://www.socialbox.biz/sample-case-studies-received-family-reunion-integration-service/
https://www.socialbox.biz/laptopsforolderpeople/
For media inquiries, please contact:
To donate equipment contact SocialBox.Biz
Peter Paduh, Socialbox.biz, Phone : 0843 289 5722
Email : info@SocialBox.Biz