By
Mer-IT Technology
London
Help us bridge the digital divide by donating to our project!
£20,000 will ensure that we can provide a minimum of 300 computers to children and vulnerable residents in London.
We are three technology teachers who wanted to help during the COVID-19 crisis and have set up an Emergency Refurbishment Hub at Mildmay Community Center.
What we do is really simple!
Companies and individuals give us any unwanted laptop or desktop. We then securely erase all data, refurbish the computer and make sure it is fit for purpose. We install an Operating System, a sweet welcome video and we disinfect the device so it is ready to be delivered!
We donate directly to schools and charities so we do not need to hold any confidential data. We trust them!
The computer is also saved from ending in a landfill and reused by someone who needs it.
We only have one condition:
The computer needs to be given to the final user (the child or the vulnerable person). The computer cannot be loaned or rented.
We want to make a change for life!
Although a number of computers are being donated, we have some expenses:
Most of the computers that we receive are good, but you can tell they have not seen much love recently. We need the funds to buy parts, to fix them or upgrade them and then there is also the cost of our labor.
On average it costs £20 to refurbish a donated computer, but the demand is so big that we sometimes need to buy.
This is particularly true within vulnerable groups, like immigrant families or victims of domestic violence, that might be living on temporary accommodation.
They need laptops, so when we do not have enough in stock, we buy from very well intended companies that are giving us really great prices.
Currently £60 will buy a computer for us to refurbish.
We want to provide as many computers as we can. The need is huge and most schools are needing between 30 to 50 devices.
And this is only getting worse: The government and local councils have run a number of schemes, but those are now coming to an end and the loaned computers need to be given back by mid July.
£10,000 will ensure that we can provide a minimum of 150 devices, likely a lot more, depending on donations. You can see the progress on our webiste: https://mer-it.org
What would we do if we get more than £10,000?
:-) We will smile! And with that smile on our faces, we will continue providing until we have spent every last penny to ensure kids and vulnerable residents do not feel left behind during this crisis!
If you are worried about the digital divide, you are likely to enjoy a technical reward
Twitter: @meritorg You are encouraged to follow us :-)
PUT A HEART ON OUR MAP!
Select this reward if you just want to donate to the project without receiving a reward.
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Amazing! You have just helped a child or a vulnerable person to get a computer. We will put a heart on our map and send you a 32GB USB drive.
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Estimated delivery: 1 September 2020
Wow, that means at least five children, somewhere in London, will have a computer thanks to you! We will give you a pulsating heart on our map and a cool portable projector that you can use with your mobile! Perfect when social distancing...
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Estimated delivery: 1 September 2020
You have just helped 10 children or vulnerable people. That is amazing! and as such, it deserves and amazing price! That is the cost of a new computer! and you just helped at least 12 children to attend school classes, to research online, to play video games with friends, to feel independent and in charge of their education. Or a vulnerable person that wants to see their family members on Skype, while cooking, instead of on the phone (conversations are always shorter on a phone), to do online shopping, because they are worried about going out, to get the support they need, because most services have moved online. You are a star! You will get a portable sound system! To lift up your spirit with wonderful music.
0 claimed of 5
Estimated delivery: 1 September 2020