People who received a new PC this Christmas are being urged to donate their old one to help school children in developing countries.

UK charity Computer Aid International said it receives many computers from large companies, such as British Airways and organisations such as City of London Police, but it would like more consumers to donate their old PCs as well.

It said Pentium 3 and 4 class PCs that are sent to it are wiped and refurbished so every PC donated enables up to 50 children to achieve IT literacy.

The appeal is part of the charity's Make IT Happen campaign; the goal is to meet a target of refurbishing100, 000 PCs for schools in developing countries by the charity's 10th birthday on the 10th October 2007.

Tony Roberts, the charity's chief executive said that because so many people will have received a new PC this Christmas, donating these old computers to charity would kill two birds with one stone.

Not only would they be helping these school children but the environment as well.

"Now that the government has announced the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) legislation will come into effect on the 1st July 2007, many people are confused about how they are able to legally get rid of their old PCs.

"We can offer people an environmentally and ethically sound solution," he said.
If you are interested in donating equipment to Computer Aid International they can be contacted on 020 72810091 or through the website.