Currys partners with Pennies on launch of digital divide focused online microdonations drive
Currys customers are now able to make microdonations to charity when they shop online. The UK&I technology retailer has partnered with Pennies on this.
The move is part of Currys' efforts to help eradicate digital poverty, with online donations expected to at least double the funds currently raised in-store. As part of the launch, it will match customer microdonations made this weekend.
Having raised over £800,000 since Pennies launched, until now, customers have only been able to make microdonations via card terminals when paying in-store. The new set up allows the website’s over 500k daily visitors to add 25p or 50p donations at checkout. The initiative was made possible through collaboration with several key suppliers, including LTM, an AI centric technology services company, who played a vital role in developing the website's donation functionality.
With one in five children and one in seven adults living in digital poverty in the UK, this will support Currys in growing its partnership with the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA). Having provided over 3,000 laptops so far through its flagship programme, Tech4Families, Currys and the DPA say that they are committed to delivering practical, scalable solutions that empower communities and support those most in need.
“We know just how life-changing access to technology can be and yet too many families are still shut out of the opportunities it can provide. By taking our donation programme online, we’re making it even easier to donate and moving one step closer to helping end digital exclusion. None of this is possible without the generosity of our customers and we’re excited to see the impact this expansion will deliver,” says Paula Coughlan, Chief People, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Currys
"Currys has been a fantastic partner in showing how small digital donations can add up to life changing impact. By bringing Pennies into the online checkout, we're making it even easier for customers to give wherever they shop. Microdonations may be small, but together they power meaningful change - just five hours of microdonations made by Currys customers could help Digital Poverty Alliance pay for a laptop for a family, improving access to essential education, finance and healthcare resources. We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved together so far and excited for the impact this next chapter will deliver,” says Alison Hutchinson, CEO at Pennies.
“As education moves ever more online, children and young people in low-income families are left behind. One in five children is experiencing digital exclusion today, without the laptops they need for homework, coursework and learning. We are so grateful to Currys and Pennies for helping us to reach their customers, whose generosity can help thousands of children every year fulfil their potential and gain the skills they need for their adult lives,” says Elizabeth Anderson, CEO, Digital Poverty Alliance.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Digital retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
