The Sponsor a Laptop program by Sam’s Spares is a targeted initiative addressing digital inequality in Western Australia. We are seeking to find sponsorship for 5000 devices before the end 2025! For a contribution of $300, sponsors enable the provision of a fully refurbished laptop to individuals or families lacking essential technology. Each device is ...
Sam's Spares
Sponsor a Laptop
GOAL
$300,000
Australia > WA > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- Education/training and employment
Target Population
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
- Young people (6-25)
Sam's Spares
Sam's Spares is a registered not-for-profit and charity based in Gosnells, Western Australia, dedicated to reducing electronic waste and bridging the digital divide. Founded by Samuel Thomas, a young man with autism and Tourette syndrome, the organisation refurbishes discarded electronics—computers, laptops, mobile phones, and gaming systems—and distributes them free of charge to individuals and communities in need across WA.
Beyond environmental sustainability, Sam's Spares champions social inclusion by providing IT repair training and meaningful employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. In 2024 alone, the organisation donated over 1.2 Million dollars worth of refurbished technology, over 2900 devices, including contributions to educational initiatives like the Governor’s Sparks of the Future program.
To ensure long-term sustainability, Sam's Spares introduced a sponsorship model in 2025, allowing continued free distribution of devices while supporting operational growth and expanding neurodivergent employment pathways.
Recognised with numerous accolades, including the 2023 WA Young Volunteer of the Year and a finalist for the 2024 WA Young Australian of the Year, Sam's Spares exemplifies how grassroots innovation can drive environmental and social impact.
Project Summary
The Sponsor a Laptop program by Sam’s Spares is a targeted initiative addressing digital inequality in Western Australia. We are seeking to find sponsorship for 5000 devices before the end 2025! For a contribution of $300, sponsors enable the provision of a fully refurbished laptop to individuals or families lacking essential technology. Each device is equipped with necessary software and comes with a three-month exchange warranty, ensuring recipients receive reliable, ready-to-use equipment.
This program maintains Sam’s Spares’ commitment to offering technology free of charge to end-users, while fostering environmental sustainability by diverting e-waste from landfills through refurbishing practices. Additionally, it supports the organisation’s mission to create meaningful employment and training opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, promoting inclusivity within the tech sector.
By sponsoring a laptop, contributors play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide, empowering recipients with tools necessary for education, employment, and community engagement. This initiative not only transforms lives but also reinforces a circular economy model, where technology is reused and repurposed for the greater good.
Project Outcomes
The expected outcome of the Sponsor a Laptop program is a measurable reduction in digital disadvantage across Western Australia, particularly among students, low-income families, and marginalized communities. By providing refurbished laptops free of charge—funded through individual and corporate sponsorships—Sam’s Spares aims to ensure that recipients gain reliable access to the digital tools essential for education, employment, and social inclusion.
A key outcome is increased digital participation. Sponsored laptops will empower students to complete homework, access online learning platforms, and develop digital literacy skills, giving them a fairer chance at academic success. For adults, these devices can open up pathways to online training, job applications, and remote work, directly supporting long-term economic empowerment.
Another outcome is environmental. The program diverts hundreds of functional devices from landfill, extending their lifespan and reducing e-waste. This supports Western Australia's broader sustainability goals while reinforcing public awareness around the value of repair, reuse, and responsible consumption.
On a community level, the program builds capacity by fostering partnerships with schools, non-profits, and community groups. These relationships ensure devices reach those most in need, while also promoting awareness of the circular economy. Additionally, the refurbishment work supports the employment and training of neurodivergent individuals, creating inclusive jobs in tech and building a more diverse workforce.
Ultimately, the Sponsor a Laptop program expects to deliver a scalable, ethical, and community-led solution to digital exclusion—transforming donated technology into opportunity, and ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $500,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Stan Perron Foundation | $50,000 |
| Selling of low end technology and E Waste commodities | $150,000 |
| Funding Gap | $300,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salaries for Neurodivergent Employees | $270,000 |
| Refurbishment expenses | $130,000 |
| Overheads | $100,000 |
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