Vodafone extends unused devices charity appeal to businesses

Huawei and Post Office among companies to have already donated

Vodafone has extended its ‘Great British Tech Appeal’ for unused devices to businesses.

The appeal was launched at the end of May in partnership with charity Barnardo’s to distribute more than 10,000 devices to disadvantaged families. It is also supporting the British Red Cross and domestic abuse charity SafeLives.

It runs until the end of July. From today, businesses can donate five or more unused smartphones and tablets.

Businesses to have already contributed included Huawei, which has donated 1,000 Y6 smartphones, and the Post Office, which has offered 75 tablets.

Vodafone is handling the cost of collection, data wiping, repackaging and redistribution, and will provide six months free connectivity for each device. It will also provide fresh packaging, and a charger and cable.

According to the Office for National Statistics, more than 700,000 people aged 11 to 18 in the UK do not have adequate access to a device or connectivity at home.

Participation

For a business to participate, they should email Techappeal@vodafone.com with a contact name, collection address and date, device quantity, and number, size and weight of boxes to collect.

Vodafone Business director Anne Sheehan commented: “We call on businesses across the UK to support The Great British Tech Appeal and donate smartphones and tablets they no longer require. We know many thousands of children and families still can’t access learning or essential support because they don’t have the devices or connectivity they need.”

Barnardo’s CEO Javed Khan added: “The Coronavirus crisis has left many children across the UK living in digital poverty without access to online education or the chance to speak to a support worker. The Great British Tech Appeal will make a huge difference to families who don’t have smartphones at home.

“I would urge companies as well as individuals to donate any devices they no longer need to help Barnardo’s get technology and connectivity into the hands of the vulnerable children and families who need it most.”