Sheffield law firm is among first to donate computers to city’s young people in need

DLA Piper - one of the UK’s biggest law firms - have shown their support for the Laptops for Kids campaign, by gifting almost 20 computers.

The campaign - which was launched by The Star, WANdisco and Learn Sheffield - will help the many young people throughout the city who have fallen behind in their studies as a result of not having access to a computer.

David Richards, founder and CEO of WANdisco, said: “We are delighted that DLA Piper is backing our campaign.

“DLA Piper is one of the world’s leading business law firms but has its roots in Yorkshire and is committed to our communities.

“This is a great example of how businesses can make a real difference during times of hardship and we look forward to more companies showing their support.”

Petra Billing, office managing partner at DLA Piper in Sheffield, said: “The pandemic is making it even harder for young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to fulfil their potential.

“As a global law firm, we are working hard to widen access to the law because we are a stronger profession if our people come from a wide range of backgrounds.

“We are delighted to donate unused laptops to help close the digital divide in Sheffield and create more chances for young people to succeed in life.”

Benchmark Recruit - a specialist recruitment agency which champions ethical recruiting - is another Sheffield based company who is supporting the Laptops for Kids campaign.

It has donated a total of five laptops towards helping to close the ‘digital divide’.

With many schools now focusing more on online learning, there is risk of the ‘digital divide’ widening if the city’s young people cannot access the equipment they need, therefore the Laptops for Kids campaign wants to encourage as many businesses to donate as soon as they can.

Learn Sheffield is working with schools to coordinate distribution of the devices.

If your company or organisation is able to make a donation, email [email protected].

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