The Hope Foundation, led by our visionary CEO Sue Kearney, took up this challenge with urgency and compassion. Understanding that digital access involves more than just hardware, Sue and her team delved into the core needs of our community—skills, devices, and connectivity. This journey of discovery sparked a transformative idea: what if we could create a digital recycling project that not only addressed environmental sustainability but also provided refurbished devices to those who needed them most?

With the backing of the South Tees Digital Partnership, a collaboration of dedicated stakeholders, organisation, and individuals, furbd was brought to life. We are driven by a shared belief that access to technology is a fundamental right, essential for education, employment, and social inclusion. Without it, the digital divide would only widen, deepening the gap between those who have and those who do not.

Today, furbd is more than just an idea - it's a movement. We collect, refurbish, and distribute digital devices to underserved communities, empowering them to connect, learn, and grow. Each device we give a second life to is a step towards reducing e-waste and building a more inclusive, connected world. We are committed to sustainability, to our environment, and most importantly, to the people we serve. Together, we are not just bridging the digital divide—we are closing it.