A massive congratulations to Sam’s Spares, the first winner of our Best of the West competition for 2024. The organisation will receive $5,000 to help continue to repair and refurbish e-waste and give them a new life for those in need.
Who is Sam’s Spares?
Sam’s Spares takes devices donated from large corporate organisations or local community members, and refurbish what can be saved into electronics to be donated back to the community free of charge. Sam assesses what is usable, and salvageable and recycles the rest.
Sam’s Spares also provides a safe space for young people with autism, teaching them the tricks of the trade and how to refurbish old technology. Sam is Autistic and has Tourette syndrome and strives to overthrow the stigmas and limitations put upon his Neuro-divergent community.
By providing this space, Sam is proving that anyone with a passion and purpose can succeed.
“Some of them struggle with social interaction, some of them just don’t like leaving the house, but a lot of them have seen major improvements and it’s just great to see how well they’ve developed.”
Real-World Impact: Connecting Communities
One of the peer partners associated with Sam’s Spares is Blue Tree project. Kendall White from the Blue Tree project recently picked up 50 monitors to go to a group of grandparents who are sole cares.
“Once people get these devices it can be really a really life changing opportunity. Many people can’t afford some of the technology and therefore go without.”
A Million Dollar Mission:
Refurbishing electronics for the last two years, Sam says there is no signs of him slowing down. His aim is to donate $1Million worth of refurbished technology to organisations in need in 2024.
Recognizing Excellence:
The Agency, a sponsor of the Best of the West program, recognized Sam's Spares' outstanding work with $5,000. This funding will further support Sam's mission.
Rob Vellacott, from The Agency, shared their enthusiasm for Sam's Spares' work:
“The Agency are pleased to support Sam’s Spares by providing $5000 to help such a generous charity. Sam’s generosity to provide his skills to be able to prevent e-waste as well as provide electronics to those in need is exactly what The Agency is wanting to support.”
Beyond Electronics: A Passion for Giving Back
Whilst Sam loves refurbishing electronics, his favourite part is giving back to the community. Getting to see someone who didn’t have the means to access technology before now receive a device they need to start a business or go to school is the major point of enjoyment for Sam.
Help us choose the next Best of the West!
Do you know someone as deserving as Sam’s Spares? Then we want to hear from you!
Maybe it’s the:
- Locals empowering individuals with disabilities through employment and financial support.
- Compassionate individuals creating safe spaces for survivors of domestic violence.
- A group ensuring access to essential feminine hygiene products for those in need.
- Schools fostering generosity and ensuring every student has the resources to succeed.
- Individual who is suffering from an illness, but still takes time to raise awareness and help others in a similar situation.
Nominate as many deserving changemakers as you know!
Every nomination is a powerful cape, amplifying their voices, attracting resources, and empowering them to achieve even more.
Tell their stories, highlight their achievements, and share why they deserve to be celebrated.
How to watch the Best of the West
Tune in to 9News at 6pm during the Sunday bulletin, every month beginning March 2024 to witness the unveiling of the Best of the West winners, whose stories will inspire and warm your heart.
What: Best of the West, Sponsored by The Agency and 9News
Where: 9News
When: Every 4th Sunday during 9News at 6pm
Good luck to all our difference-makers out there. You’re all the Best of the West in our eyes!