Another Sheffield business shows support for younger generation with laptop donation

Gripple - a manufacturer of wire joining and tensioning systems for building services, civil construction, agriculture and landscaping sectors - purchased the devices from Broomhall-based Systems Assurance, who provided the devices at a discounted price in support of the campaign.

As a business that already works with schools and colleges, Gripple hopes the donated devices will enable more young people to gain employability skills for the future.

IT manager Steve Wilson, said: “Many of our people have children at local schools and are very aware of the challenges faced by lots of households in accessing the internet during lockdown.

“As an employee-owned business, we feel a responsibility to support the younger generation so they can be employable in the future.

“We are always looking for talent to help us design and manufacture innovative products for our customers across the world.”

Although Gripple’s donation - which amounts to around £1,000 worth - has been shared between the Laptops for Kids campaign and various primary schools, the aim is the same, which is to close the ‘digital divide’ amongst Sheffield’s young people.

David Richards, chief executive of WANdisco who instigated the Laptops for Kids campaign with The Star and Learn Sheffield, said: “Gripple is a fine example of a socially-minded business investing for the future.

“We would like to thank all the employees for their generous support for our campaign.

“Nearly one in 10 children are living in households without laptops, tablets or PCs which makes remote learning impossible.

“Every donation counts and we urge more companies to support Laptops for Kids.”

The Laptops for Kids campaign launched in Sheffield in September 2020 and recently received a £1.5 million boost from Sheffield Council.

The funding is hoped to provide 6,000 laptops and internet connectivity for children who currently do not have access at home.

The Laptops for Kids model has now started to be scaled up across the North of England, including Doncaster, Newcastle, and more locations to follow.

To donate devices or to make a cash donation, visit: www.LTFK.co.uk

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.