Two sixth-formers have launched DONATEiT, an聽app that helps people share聽unwanted household items so charities can discover what鈥檚 available in the area.
Georgia-Leigh Wheeler and Sina Taavon of Connell Sixth Form College created the app as part of the Apps for Good initiative.
鈥淲ith over 300,000 tonnes of reusable furniture thrown away every year, and an increasing demand on charities, we wanted to provide a simple way to donate to charity, protect the environment and support those in need,鈥� Wheeler said.
鈥淥ur app is now available on Google Play for Android and we have been approached by Apple to discuss making it compatible with their devices. Watch this space,鈥� added Taavon.
The app is free for both users and charities, and lets users upload a picture of the unwanted item with information about the condition it鈥檚 in. Charities can then claim the item for use themselves or to sell for funds.
The app will make money through featured brands and by directing users to stores where they can purchase new furniture.
The idea came out of a partnership between the college and Apps for Good, a charity which helps young people create technology that can be used in good ways.
Principal Jane Hopcroft said: This was a fantastic programme for all our students 鈥� it has really challenged them to work creatively, competitively and commercially. We are incredibly proud of Georgia-Leigh and Sina and expect great things from them both.鈥�
The pair won the award after presenting their idea to the Apps for Good judges, which included international tech CEOs and journalists.