GENEROUS Halesowen firms have backed a fundraiser kickstarted by the town's BID to raise £5k to provide equipment for children to learn from home.
The idea for the fundraiser came after businesses witnessed first-hand families struggling to home school due to the lack of equipment.
More than £2.5k has already been raised with tablets delivered to Earls High and Halesowen CofE Primary.
Starkey Electrical Limited, which has recently moved to Halesowen, is one of the businesses which had witnessed families struggling.
Stuart Starkey said: "Whilst we're out working across the area we hear lots of families asking us about where they could get hold of laptops, tablets or even smartphones to allow their children the opportunity to participate in home-schooling.
"We felt as a community of businesses in Halesowen, we can play a small part in helping these young people"
BID manager Vicky Rogers with Alexandra Darby
Donations have been rolling in since the campaign went live in January, with it well on its way to reach the £5k target after a £1k donation from The Saleem Foundation.
Alexandra Darby, vice-chair of The Saleem Foundation, said: "A lot of us are fortunate enough to have access to equipment such as computers and smartphones, but it's easy to take these for granted.
"There are so many families out there without the means to educate their children and we should all consider how we can support our future generations."
Vicky Rogers, BID Manager, said: "We were so surprised when we had the call from the Saleem Foundation, offering such a generous donation.
"It's wonderful to see the business community of Halesowen step in to support, especially when so many are dealing with a very difficult situation.
"We're excited to be able to purchase essential equipment and deliver this directly to those who need it most."
Halesowen CofE headteacher Lorna Knowles and BID manager Vicky Rogers
Jamie Fox, headteacher at Earls High said: "These devices are going to make such a difference to the learning of our students.
"As a school we are working hard to ensure that students learn as well at home as they do at school.
"The donation of this IT equipment will mean that all students will be able to maintain their interaction with their teachers and friends.
"We are so grateful for the generosity of those who have contributed towards this project and to Halesowen BID for taking the lead and making it happen."
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