At Programmed, we’re always looking for opportunities to create positive outcomes for our communities while making the most of the resources we already have. Recently, our Group IT division donated 15 laptops to The Laptop Initiative, helping give quality technology a second life while providing an essential connection to people who need it most.
The Laptop Initiative is a volunteer-led Australian charity that partners with businesses to repurpose unwanted laptops, connecting them with grassroots organisations supporting refugees, asylum seekers, disadvantaged young people, and women escaping domestic violence. By extending the life of existing devices, the initiative tackles two important challenges at once: reducing e-waste and improving digital inclusion.
Programmed’s donation will be distributed through two of The Laptop Initiative’s charity partners:
- Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau, which supports not-for-profit organisations and multicultural community programs, including Settlement Engagement and Transition Support and Cultural Exchange initiatives.
- Canberra Refugee Support, which helps refugees and asylum seekers settle into the community, build local connections, and become more independent.
Technology that creates opportunity
For the recipients of this program, a laptop means access to education, job applications, online services, English language learning, and the ability to stay connected with family, support networks, and essential services. It represents a practical step towards greater independence and opportunity.
As technology evolves, initiatives like The Laptop Initiative demonstrate how businesses can create lasting value by giving quality equipment a second life instead of sending it to landfill.
By donating these laptops, our Group IT team has helped reduce electronic waste while supporting individuals and families as they build bright futures in their new communities.
We’re proud of our Group IT team for recognising the opportunity inherent in surplus technology. By supporting both people and the planet, this initiative reflects another practical example of the ways our people continue to have a positive impact beyond our day-to-day work.
