Local businesses donate Computers to Schools

Newry Chamber and Clanrye Group have teamed up for a new initiative called ‘Back to Schools’ aimed at supporting local primary schools.

Newry Chamber is encouraging businesses or organisations who have old or unused laptops, tablets, iPads to donate them to the scheme. They will be wiped and cleaned by Clanrye Group. 

The Chamber has launched the scheme with St Joseph’s Primary School in Bessbrook which has four learning support classes. Depending on the response there may be an opportunity to extend the scheme out to other schools.

Water Solutions based at Carnbane Industrial Park in Newry are the first business to join the scheme, donating three laptops.

Eamon Magee, Water Solutions said, “We were delighted to support this scheme which gives back to local primary schools. We would encourage any business that has spare I.T. equipment to consider donating it. Young people need I.T. skills to help fulfil the ever-increasing digital roles that we will have in our businesses going forward. Many schools do not have the resources to support this requirement and many families, with other financial pressures, cannot afford to provide the equipment. If businesses can fill that gap, then it is a win, win for everyone.”

Rachel Duffy, Head of Marketing at Clanrye Group said, “We are delighted to team up with Newry Chamber on this scheme. This is much more than a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activity for the businesses involved. This scheme gives our participants a chance to work on real equipment and gives them immense satisfaction to know they are going back to be used in a school with a learning support unit.”

Frances Hannaway, Principal, St Joseph’s Bessbrook said, “We are delighted to be recipients of this scheme. We have a very significant backlog of students who require I.T. equipment to help them participate in basic learning. Donations like these will prove a real educational game changer for our children with, and without additional needs. Thank you to Water Solutions, Clanrye Group and Newry Chamber.”

Jessica Gray, Newry Chamber said, “If any business or individual would like to donate iPads, tablets, or laptops to this scheme, they can do so by dropping them off to the Chamber office. We can also arrange collection if necessary. The equipment should be minimum Windows 7 with no broken screens.”

For further information about how to donate you can contact Newry Chamber on admin@newrychamber.com or call to Granite House, 31-35 St Mary’s Street, Newry.