AN APPEAL for unwanted computers that can be recycled for charities and families in need has received almost 200 donations.
Wokingham Lions Club launched the scheme called Recycling Technology, or ReTec for short, earlier this year.
One local business handed in 35 laptops and so far over 60 have been reconditioned and are ready to find a new home.
Debbie Slay from the Lions said the scheme would not only allow people to be digitally included but also help the environment by preventing unwanted computers ending up in landfill.
“Many businesses and individuals regularly upgrade their laptops and scrap the old ones even though the machines are still usable. We collect them, renovate them and offer them to families in need, particularly schoolchildren and refugees who arrive in this country with nothing.
“A new computer can easily cost upwards of £400 which is out of reach for many people. ReTec essentially gives unwanted computers a new life and those that cannot be renovated can be salvaged for parts so nothing is wasted.”
Debbie emphasised that before the computers are passed on, all personal data is completely erased.
“We are extremely grateful to a large local company which wishes to remain anonymous which recently donated 35 laptops, bringing the total received so far to almost 200.
“Our Lions members use their technical knowledge to see which machines can be re-used, then completely erase all data and re-build them as new working items. They are then offered to families what have been vetted to understand their needs.”
Wokingham Lions has teamed up with several charities and local organisations where unwanted computers can be handed in.
These include First Days Children’s Charity and Wokingham Borough Council libraries. SHARE Wokingham, who provide food and household items to families in need has also joined the scheme along with the Wokingham Charity and Community Hub.
“We only launched ReTech a few months ago and have been amazed as well as thankful for the response,” added Debbie.
“Wokingham Lions Club would be very pleased to receive more donations. If anyone has unwanted equipment such as laptops running Windows 8 or later then please donate them to one of the four collecting centres.
“Better still, if you work for an organisation that upgrades its laptops, please ask them to donate the old ones.”
Full details of the project are on the Lions website at https://wokinghamlions.org.uk/community-service/retec/
Lions also want to hear from other charities which could use renovated laptops to contact them at: mail@wokinghamlions.org.uk
