Brighter Futures, supported by Larne Football Club, has teamed up with The RUSA Foundation to create the Laptops for Larne appeal.

Both organisations recognise how the education of all children has been disrupted due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Many children are suffering, as they do not have access to a laptop or technology throughout the pandemic.

Through donations of equipment or cash, the initiative aims to provide many children in the Larne area with new and used laptops or tablets for educational purposes. The appeal will be a great step in helping many children receive the best possible learning, build their confidence and improve their mental health by providing a way of communicating virtually with their peers.

Ross Lazaroo-Hood, Founder of The RUSA Foundation and Trustee, said: With so many disadvantaged children within the Larne community, the demand for technology assistance has never been higher especially during this pandemic. That is why the assistance of partners such as Brighter Futures is vital. We are so grateful to be partners in this incredible campaign for donations and support with laptops to help those in need.

Sandara Kelso-Robb, Brighter Futures Strategic Advisor, said: We know there are many families in Larne who are struggling to make ends meet and homeschooling has added extra difficulties. Its almost impossible for a family to share a phone in order to keep up with their education, so we hope that the laptops and tablets we have donated as a result of this appeal will be of benefit to those who need easier access to online learning.

Although a number of laptops have already been sourced, the organisations are asking the local community to check with their own friends, family, colleagues, neighbours or business connections if they have any used equipment that they no longer need; new devices or cash donations would also be very warmly received in order to help as many families as possible.

Brighter Futures Fund, supported by Larne Football Club, is a vehicle for development, regeneration and support within the Larne community that encourages everyone to improve their health and well-being through the provision of access to first-class sporting and recreational facilities, grants and other charitable resources.

To find out more about Brighter Futures and Larne Football Club, visit https://www.larnefc.com/brighterfutures/

Based in the UK, The RUSA Foundation was founded and is funded by Ross Lazaroo-Hood and Sitki Gelmen, of Landmark Underwriting. It aims to support local communities through grassroots sport, giving a helping hand to underprivileged families and disadvantaged children.

For more information on what the RUSA Foundation can offer, you can visit www.rusafoundation.com