FINALISTS
SPONSORED BY RACZ GROUP
Tech for Good
IN STUDIO
In December 2020 , Hartlepool ’ s In Studio was approached to build an online platform for the Hartlepool Giving Tree .
This charitable initiative , in which customers purchase gifts for children in need , has been running from Middleton Grange Shopping Centre for many years .
Due to the pandemic , the Giving Tree needed to go online and In Studio had just two weeks to create a platform to catch the Christmas shopping crowd .
Donating their time and skills for free , In Studio ’ s aim was to receive 1,500 gifts but by the end of the campaign , that figure stood at 174,000 !
This project shows how even in times of adversity , people can come together to create something amazing .
HIGH TIDE FOUNDATION
Middlesbrough ’ s High Tide Foundation is an independent charity delivering meaningful work experience and career programmes to schools , colleges and thousands of young people in the Tees Valley .
The charity ’ s business model was shattered due to the pandemic , with programme delivery halted overnight as schools and workplaces closed .
Now digitally transformed , High Tide supports more young people than ever , with a programme of virtual work experiences spanning more than 10 different sectors .
Industry-led , structured , inspiring and interactive , the programmes offer students an understanding of individual businesses , industries and job roles and inform them of the wealth of career opportunities available to them in our region .
THE HOPE FOUNDATION
Middlesbrough-based charity The Hope Foundation has joined forces with IT recycling business ComplyIT to develop an online platform which tackles digital poverty across the region .
Furbdit is designed for businesses and individuals to donate old IT equipment for recycling , refurbishment and distribution , with any money made from recycling feeding back in to help the community .
Since Furbdit ’ s inception in April 2021 , 60 devices have been donated and have had a great impact on residents ’ lives .
An example of this was shown at South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust , which was one of the first organisations to receive a donation of refurbished laptops through Furbdit . The devices are now being used by families with children who have diabetes to manage their condition .
# TeesTechAwards – we ’ re fundraising at justgiving . com / teestechawards2021 | 11