April 29th 2019

PriorityIT is hoping to raise another £2,000 for Alzheimer’s Support by refurbishing old laptops and PCs.

The Wiltshire IT firm renovates and upgrades the unwanted machines which are then passed on to new owners in exchange for a donation to the charity.

The company has received the seal of approval from the Microsoft Refurbisher Programme and hopes it can expand the initiative whcih is started two years ago. 

Priority IT Managing Director Kieran Thomas said: “For some time, we have been refurbishing redundant PCs and laptops – of course, wiping them clean first – which we then pass on for a suggested donation to raise money for Alzheimer’s Support. This has already brought in about £2,000 for an excellent cause. How we are listed as an official partner on the Microsoft website so we should be able to reach out to even more people who are looking for a refurbished computer.” 

“Most of the computers coming through are Windows 7. With Windows 7 going end of life in January 2020, we decided it was time to get on the refurbisher program, so we can upgrade the operating system to Windows 10.

Alzheimer’s Support CEO Babs Harris said: “We are delighted to be benefitting from this wonderful scheme which is recycling at its best. The money raised will help people living with dementia in Wiltshire to lead active, independent and meaningful lives.

“We need to raised £300,000 each year to support the services which make so much difference, so every penny helps.”

Helping to work on the refurbishments and upgrades is Trowbridge College student Harry Wareham, who is on work placement with the Priority IT team for two days a week.

Reducing e-waste

Microsoft said in a statement: “Microsoft refurbisher partners are implementing innovative ways to transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future for our planet, resulting in millions of PCs and all types of consumer end-of-life electronics recycling.  A refurbished PC is a great value when you buy from a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher—plus you have the added benefit of reducing e-waste worldwide.”

Details of the PCs and laptops currently on offer – which include Lenovo Edge models - are available via Priority IT’s website at https://www.priorityIT.co.uk/, for a suggested donation of £50 each. The team also offer a secure data wipe service, again in aid of Alzheimer’s Support, for a donation of £20.

To contact Kieran and the Priority IT team phone 01225 636000, or email [email protected].