We’ve always been fans of InterConnection, the computer re-use and job skills organization based here in Wallingford (they recently moved from North Pacific near OmCulture over to Stone Way, but still Wallingford). They take donations of used computer equipment, fix it up, and offer it for sale or donation to those who aren’t able to shell out for the iPad 3, but still could benefit from access to the Internet and software. You may remember we ran a story about the computers they shipped to NGO’s and aid groups after the Haitian earthquake, so maybe it’s time for another heartwarmer, written by the folks at InterConnection themselves.
We remember from our time at Microsoft, when people would upgrade their equipment, they’d leave the old machine outside their doors for pickup by Facilities. Typically, though, the machine would first get picked over for RAM, hard drives, and anything re-usable by other employees wandering the halls. We always heard the equipment got sold by weight, so it seemed fair enough to “recycle” it this way. It’s nice to hear better things can happen, though.
Microsoft is the largest technology corporation in the world and as one would expect has a large amount of surplus computer equipment. Microsoft Community Affairs has worked with InterConnection since 2004 to donate thousands of their surplus computers to nonprofits around the globe. InterConnection has donated computers for Microsoft to charities in Vietnam, St. Lucia, Kenya and Romania. Locally they have donated computers on behalf of Microsoft to Boys and Girls Clubs, YWCA and Treehouse. InterConnection even donated computers to humanitarian relief organizations in Pakistan and Chile.
The most recent donation of Microsoft surplus equipment went to a charity in the Czech Republic called Charta 77 that supports people with disabilities. This donation provides a compelling example of how a business can easily use their surplus assets to improve the lives of people around the world, at no cost to the business.
In the fall of 2011 Microsoft contacted InterConnection about another surplus computer donation. At the time Microsoft didn’t have a specific recipient lined up for the donation. InterConnection contacted its partner, TechSoup.org, about the need for computers among the charities they support. After a simple application and screening process TechSoup identified a worthy and trusted organization in the Czech Republic to receive the computers, called Charta 77.
InterConnection received the computers from Microsoft, installed Windows 7 Pro and Office2007 in Czech, and shipped 157 computers by sea. Shipping and refurbishing costs were covered by InterConnection in exchange for some of the donated equipment from Microsoft. There were no costs incurred by Microsoft for the donation. The computers are now serving more than 9,200 individuals from 13 different nonprofits across the nation.
Charta 77 worked with thirteen other Czech nonprofits to distribute the computers. The nonprofits that received the computers used them to support a variety of programs, including wheelchair sports, healthcare access, human rights advocacy, computer labs for the unemployed and a travel agency for people with disabilities.
The following are a few testimonials from some of the recipients:
“This donation helps our clients communicate with their friends, find accommodation, job, etc.” Marcela Holeňová, Director, Open hand to the life.
“These computers provide our clients easier access to technology and information. We hope that computer lessons will increase their position on labor market” says director of Centrum pro., Libor Schenk.
“Thanks to the donation, our team will be able to provide complex informational resources for the application users,” Michaela Buchtova, M77
“These computers help us every day. They are faster, better and clients can work with them easily.” Miliše Nechvátalová, Statutory Representative, Sdružení FILIA.
“I can better use my work time, when I know that in the Association office I have a permanent place and the necessary equipment for my work.” Zdeňka Faltýnková, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and a specialist in spinal problems.
“We are happy because this donation will primarily help to our social worker and lawyer in the Consulting Centre of the Czech Helsinki Committee to provide better service for our clients. Last year we helped to 1,500 clients.” Czech Helsinki committee, Human Rights Advocacy.
Any company with surplus computers can use them for charitable purposes. InterConnection specializes in charitable reuse and recycling and can convert surplus IT equipment into opportunities for people in need around the world.
