Tees Tech Awards 2021 Programme | Page 5

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR DIGITAL POVERTY APPEAL

Tonight we ’ ll be fundraising in the fight against digital poverty on Teesside – and we ’ d ask for your support .

Last year ’ s Covidenforced school closures highlighted the fact that many underprivileged Teesside pupils struggle with their studies away from the classroom due to poor access to technology including laptops , iPads and similar .

Tees Business supported a Digital Poverty campaign that was kicked off by

Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston and supported by Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation . Thanks to the generous support of many local firms , the appeal raised more than £ 100,000 – including a generous individual donation of £ 20,000 from tech entrepreneur Dean Benson .

With digital poverty remaining a real issue on Teesside , Dean has committed to donating £ 20,000 every year – and tonight we aim to kickstart a new round of fundraising .

All funds raised will go to local schools to help them provide tech for disadvantaged pupils .

To make a donation to the Digital Poverty Appeal , please donate to justgiving . com / teestechawards2021 or alternatively place a note into the envelope on your table , writing your name and table number on the front .

All those making a donation will be entered into a draw to win an overnight stay for two at Hardwick Hall Hotel .

# TeesTechAwards – we ’ re fundraising at justgiving . com / teestechawards2021 | 5