What happens when your PCs become obsolete?

Technology moves at a fast pace and staying current can be a challenge. But when you do invest in new hardware, what do you do with the old stuff?

This was a recent dilemma for Howorth after we recently replaced our entire fleet of more than 30 PCs. The last thing we wanted to do was chuck them out.

Although these PCs were no longer suitable for our business, they were still operational and we were sure they could be donated to assist disadvantaged communities.

So, we contacted our client Microsoft for some assistance and they immediately put us in touch with WorkVentures.

For more than 30 years, WorkVentures has been helping make a difference to the lives of people who live with financial, social and educational disadvantage. Having recognised that employment is the key to helping individuals build their self-esteem and overcoming the fundamental causes of these problems, WorkVentures has developed numerous programs, to help improve their clients’ employability, and many of them use technology as the vehicle.

One of those programs is called Connect IT, where they take decommissioned PCs and refurbish them with software donated by Microsoft. These machines are then sold to low income households and to other non-profit organisations. In 2010, Connect IT sold more than 6,000 PCs, mainly to job seekers, disability pensioners and support parents.

“For those of us who have used a PC at work and home for many years, it’s astounding to learn there are still 600,000 Australian households with school-aged children that have no access to a computer or the internet,” said Scott Millington, Head of Connect IT.

“Research has shown that computer literacy is crucial to ensure low income households are not trapped in a lifetime of disadvantage, so making low-cost refurbished PCs available is a great way to change people’s future prospects and pathways. As a not-for-profit organisation, we need the support of the community and the business sector, so we’re truly grateful to Howorth for their kind donation.”

Find out more about WorkVentures and its Connect IT program, please visit www.workventures.com.au

Ogilvy Public Relations flexes community spirit

On Friday, 7^th August, five team members across Ogilvy PR joined forces and gardening tools to show our involvement and commitment to the local community by spending a day with Mosman Council weeding and planting new trees to encourage the regeneration of local shrubs and wildlife.

For a bunch of inexperienced and clueless ‘gardeners’ there was a lot of gardening advice flying around. We tackled the day with much enthusiasm, energy and laughter so despite the blood, sweat and tears (only of laughter) we were able to proudly look at all the trees we planted. All of which we are sure will grow tall and proud – keeping in line with the Ogilvy excellence trademark!

Our aching muscles, sun burnt faces and blistered hands were rewarded with a great lunch and as well as a great day had by all, we now had some newly acquired gardening skills  to add to our resumes!

Making a positive difference felt fantastic – the day in the sun was merely a bonus. Another successful SO INSPIRED day!