Honda of the UK Manufacturing donates laptops to Wiltshire people in need 

Swindon-based Honda of the UK Manufacturing has gifted 50 laptops to Wiltshire Digital Drive in a bid to bridge the digital divide. 

These devices will provide members of the public of all ages with IT equipment to allow them to access education, stay connected with friends and family and adapt to society’s shift towards technology. 

Wiltshire Digital Drive is a non-profit making organisation that refurbishes and recycles donated laptops to gift back to the community, enabling education in Wiltshire and bridging the digital divide. 

Jason Smith, Director at Honda of the UK Manufacturing, said “We’re delighted to be able to continue helping our local community. 

"We have all experienced challenges during these unprecedented times and we are confident these laptops will help with the excellent work Wiltshire Digital Drive do across the county. 

"Despite our closure this year, Honda is determined to leave a lasting legacy by providing IT equipment for members of our community via Wiltshire Digital Drive.” 

Kieran Thomas, Co-Director at Wiltshire Digital Drive, said “We are so thankful to Honda for the support they have given us, receiving generous donations from larger corporate companies like this is really going to make a positive impact on the direction of the charity. 

"Now the majority of students are returning to school, the laptops and tablets we have will continue helping them with homework, revision, specialist learning and gaining IT skills that will benefit them in the future. 

"But it’s not only school children that are being supported by the scheme; adult learners, people receiving dementia and Alzheimer’s care, and community groups helping people stay connected during the lockdown, are all being helped by these donations.” 

This latest activity follows Honda’s recent monetary donations to food poverty charities and the gifting of pre-production vehicles to local schools and colleges to promote engineering within Wiltshire.