The first shipment of 50 laptops donated by individuals and businesses across Grand Cayman is ready to be sent to Ukraine.
Entrepreneur and Austrian Honorary Consul Martin Richter issued an urgent appeal for unwanted laptops earlier this month to help children in Ukraine continue their education online despite the hardships caused by war.
Donation appeal
Richter, who has been raising funds and equipment for Ukraine since the conflict began three years ago, met with businesses and groups across Cayman to raise awareness for the appeal. He said that he expects to be able to send around 50 laptops to Rotary Club International in Kharkiv, which organised the appeal, by next week.
“It took a while for the message to get out there but then it really picked up its own momentum,” Richter said. “We received 34 laptops from businesses and the rest from individuals, and we also received cash donations as well so that more laptops can be purchased in Ukraine.”
Each laptop has to be wiped clean of data and then checked by RCIPS in case any were reported stolen, before being sent off-island, with shipping costs paid for by donations. He thanked all the people who donated and paid particular tribute to Jennifer Kaufman of Sta Mar Enterprises freight forwarders for her help with logistics.
Richter said he hoped more laptops would be donated next month as several companies were replacing their current laptops and had pledged to donate the older models.
More laptops needed
Thousands of children in Ukraine rely on laptops to continue their learning online in virtual classes. To date, the global appeal has received 2,000 donated laptops, but more than 12,000 are still needed to reach all displaced children.
Anyone who is able to donate used laptops or funds to purchase used laptops can contact Richter directly at 916-6688 or via Rotary Sunrise, which will oversee the collection and distribution process.
The laptops have to be in working condition with a working camera to enable the children to learn online. People can also donate money to the cause, which can be used to buy old laptops in Kiev for around $150.
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