<img alt="" src="https://secure.smart-business-foresight.com/268390.png" style="display:none;">

Skip to Content

CIC Partner Login

BornGood and Gentoo help Foundation of Light Bridge the Digital Divide

Access to technology shouldn’t be a privilege, it should be a pathway to opportunity.

That’s why we’re incredibly proud to share the first major milestone of the BornGood CIC Digital Resilience Fund: the donation of 50 professionally refurbished laptops to the Foundation of Light, made possible through an amazing partnership with Gentoo and support from The National Lottery Community Fund.

These devices will help more young people and adults across Sunderland access digital learning, boost employability and join community programmes that rely on access to a working laptop. For many households, this can be the difference between being left behind or being able to take the next step forward.

Blog Arrow Down CTA (gentoo x fol x bormgood)

Giving Technology a Second Life and Giving People a Fair Chance

 

Every device donated by Gentoo was securely data-wiped, upgraded and refurbished to BornGood’s professional standard before being certified and redistributed. This circular approach ensures:

  • Zero data left behind,
  • Zero compromise on quality,
  • Zero devices going to waste.

The Impact

The environmental impact is huge.

By reusing just 50 laptops, Sunderland avoids an estimated:

  • 15.8 tonnes of CO₂
  • 9.5 million litres of water
  • 60 tonnes of raw materials

compared with producing new devices.

That’s the power of circular tech and it’s exactly why BornGood CIC exists.

 

Local Partners Making a Local Difference

 

This project highlights what happens when Sunderland organisations unite around shared values: sustainability, social value and opportunity.

“Every laptop diverted from landfill becomes a tool for learning, connection and opportunity.”
— Simon Burdus, Social Impact and Growth Manager at BornGood CIC

The Foundation of Light team echoed this:

“These laptops will help us expand our digital learning programmes and give more people the tools they need to reach their potential.”
— Jamie Wright, COO & Deputy CEO, Foundation of Light

And Gentoo, who donated every device, shared a powerful message about community collaboration:

“This partnership shows the impact of local organisations coming together to make a real difference for our community.”
— Paul Brockbanks, IT Director, Gentoo



This Is Just the Beginning

 

Over the coming months, more than 200 additional refurbished devices will be distributed to charities, schools and community groups across Sunderland through the VCS Network, strengthening digital inclusion and supporting the City Plan’s vision for a fairer, greener region.

BornGood CIC is proud to help lead this work by:

  • Extending the life of technology,
  • Reducing electronic waste,
  • Supporting the VCSE sector, and
  • Ensuring no community is left behind in the digital age.


This is technology done differently, securely, sustainably, and with heart.

Need Devices or Support for Your Nonprofit?