Electricals and technology retailer Currys hits two million donations via Pennies for Digital Poverty Alliance

Currys reports that it has reached two million customer donations, through Pennies, for the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA).

The DPA is a non-profit charity member initiative convening individuals from across business, government, charity and education, with the aim of eradicating digital poverty in the UK, and ultimately globally.

Just one day of customer micro-donations in Currys’ UK stores raises enough funds through the Tech4Families scheme for the DPA to provide three disadvantaged families with a laptop.

Logistically, customers are invited to make a micro-donation via the card terminal screen when they pay for their purchase in-store, powered by partnering FinTech charity, Pennies. They are offered a ‘yes or no’ option to donate if they wish.

“This milestone is a true testament to the generosity of our customers. Two million is a huge number, but its representative of the huge impact this is having on the families who now have access to the digital world,” says Moira Thomas, Currys Group Sustainability & ESG Director and DPA Board of Trustees Member.

“The impact of these donations cannot be overstated. Thanks to Currys customers, we have been able to provide laptops to over 1,700 families. Access to technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This support is transforming the future lives of so many children across the UK,” comments Elizabeth Anderson, DPA CEO.

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Currys was among the winners at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended last month’s gathering.