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Colliers donates surplus tech to youth homelessness charities backed by LandAid

Commercial real estate firm Colliers has donated more than 350 refurbished laptops to youth and homelessness charities this year, through LandAid’s Computers 4 Charity appeal.

LandAid works closely with Computers 4 Charity to refurbish surplus tech from their property partners and donates it to charities supporting young people facing homelessness. This partnership enables a sustainable supply of quality technology for LandAid’s network of charity partners.

Last week six charities, British DJMC Academy London, Youth & Community Connexions, YMCA London City & North, LGBTQ+ The Outside Project, Youth League UK and Change Please, received 50 laptops which have been refurbished and securely data wiped by Computers 4 Charity, at Colliers’ Wigmore Street headquarters.

We’re aware that even if these laptops are not fit for our purposes anymore, there’s still plenty of life in them. One of our company values is to do what’s right for our communities, which is why it was important for us to partner with LandAid and charities that are working to preventing homelessness, especially for young people who have had a difficult time so far. “There’s also an added sense of satisfaction that we’re not wasting the materials that we’ve already benefitted from and we’re preventing computer components from ending up in landfill, reducing emissions from technology.
Tony Horrell, CEO Colliers UK & Ireland

The power of Pro Bono

The charities were selected by the Pro Bono Team at LandAid (A brokering service supporting a wide range of charities working with disadvantaged people, families and communities) A call for demand was put out to the charity sector, with the aim to help as many organisations as possible. What became inherently clear, was that the demand is constant for IT equipment in the third sector and has even resulted in a waiting list for future donations.

This innovative programme is spearheaded by Gareth Pettit, Programmes and Impact Manager who heads up the service to access support from their network of property industry partners. He added: “For already isolated young people, technology can be the difference between drowning in a modern world and keeping afloat.”

As well as computers Colliers has donated vital accessories such as monitors, mice and keyboards and are beginning the process of donating the business’ redundant smartphones and tablets to the charities, aligning with Colliers’ sustainability strategy Elevate the Built Environment. Through the latest donation of 228 computers, completed last month, the firm has helped to save 20,700kg of C02 emissions.

 

The LandAid and C4C initiative is a winning collaboration. The benefit to helping those more vulnerable is invaluable. I hope that the marvellous example set by Colliers, leads to other organisations being inspired to follow suit, as the impact is of such value and reciprocal benefit.
Paul Morrish, LandAid CEO
Colliers has responded to LandAid’s tech appeal and donated 228 IT devices. Now the first laptops have been securely data wiped and upgraded by Computers 4 Charity to give them a second life, each one saving the earth from a new one being made and avoiding polluting the planet with 150kg of CO2. Best of all, these laptops have been given away to the selected charity beneficiaries helping to combat homelessness
George Cook, Honorary Chief Executive of Computers 4 Charity
I was incredibly humbled to meet the charity leaders who are helping homeless and disadvantaged young people. Hearing their stories of how our old laptops will help them develop life skills, apply for jobs, and keep in contact with their supporters and carers was inspirational. We look forward to continuing to work with LandAid and Computers4Charity. I’m so glad that these devices will make a difference to so many young people.
Richard Sharpe Global Head of Workplace Technology at Colliers

Photography credit: Kt Banwell