Article taken from Supplier Diversity Europe newsletter
Since 2001, Konnect9 has been helping businesses solve the problem of how to dispose of surplus goods, unwanted furniture and similar in an environmentally sustainable manner and supporting disadvantaged people in the East Midlands and further afield. Director Sujata Bhalla explains: "Since Konnect9 was established as a registered charity in 2001, we have redistributed close to £1.5 million worth of business surplus goods. That's 200 tons avoiding landfill, equivalent to around 26 double-decker busloads. Our current projects include an IT into homes project that we started with Leicester City Council in 2004. This gifts free refurbished computers directly to children and families living on disadvantaged estates. Each month we distribute 600 free 'dignity' toiletry packs to local hospitals for distribution to lonely and isolated patients. We regularly dispatch containers of medical aid and equipment overseas. Konnect9 provides ongoing support to homeless shelters, women's aid refuges, children's groups, playgroups, voluntary aided schools and others, helping these organisations to stretch their own limited budgets and enhance the lives of their service users with free, quality business surplus donations."
On December 2nd 2008, Konnect9 launched www.givingworldonline.com. This is a unique, online portal linking donors of goods directly with beneficiaries. Businesses, large and small, are able to register on the site and upload details of their surplus goods. Registered charities and other vetted organisations offering services to those in need then search the database and access this surplus. Access to the site is free. Sujata stresses: "There are enormous business benefits to be obtained by registering with Giving World Online. Businesses of all sizes can reduce their storage and disposal costs and reduce the amount of waste they send to landfill. They can do this safe in the knowledge that they are achieving their environmental and corporate social responsibility targets and supporting disadvantaged communities. They can use their activity to generate positive publicity, boost workforce moral and just feel good about themselves!"
For more information contact Sujata Bhalla, Director, Giving World Online: tel + 44 (0) 8458 333 783 www.givingworldonline.com sujata@givingworldonline.com