Testimonials

Buddy’s Timber Creations

Aiden, from Buddy’s Timber Creations, was thrilled to receive a refurbished computer from Sam’s Spares. With the computer, Aiden gained a critical tool for managing his growing business, which specialised in handcrafted timber items like cheese boards, coasters, and chopping boards. The computer wasn’t just any piece of equipment; it was a bridge to the independence Aiden had always dreamed of.

Running Buddy's Timber Creations had already helped Aiden gain confidence and sharpen his budgeting, shopping, and planning skills. Now, with the computer, he can track sales, organise orders, and even experiment with online promotion to reach a larger audience. Tasks that once required Aiden to borrow his Mum’s computer are now done at his place of work and now at his own house, having recently moved out to live independently.

One of Aiden's favorite parts of his new setup was how it connected him to customers and fellow creators. Using his computer, he started an online social page for Buddy’s Timber Creations, where he shared his latest designs and, occasionally, some behind-the-scenes photos of the creation process. He discovered that people loved seeing his work and hearing his stories which he not only shares online, but on his device at the markets he attends.

Tiny Leaf Microgreens and Edible Flowers

Jayson received a refurbished Surface Pro from Sam’s Spares earlier this year, to support Jayson with his microenterprise Tiny Leaf Microgreens and Edible Flowers.

Since receiving the laptop, Jayson has been able to complete business planning, design and order merchandise and marketing; and set up his social media accounts. Jaysen has now also set up his accounting software so he can generate and send invoices.

Jayson has also created a batch number system using his tech from Sam’s Spares, to ensure he is compliant with local government rules and regulations around food safety.

Without having this technology from Sam’s Spares, Jayson wouldn’t have been able to get himself set up the way he has. Thanks to Sam’s Spare, Jayson’s microenterprise is off and racing!

MEP

As a Peer Partner of Sam’s Spares in 2024, Microenterprise People Inc. has helped to unlock new opportunities for people with disabilities by distributing over 90 pieces of refurbished IT equipment across Western Australia—from Geraldton to Albany and many places in between. This initiative has empowered people with disabilities who own and operate microenterprises, granting them the independence to create, manage, and administer all facets of their businesses.

With the technology provided by Sam’s Spares, these entrepreneurs have been able to fully embrace the creative and operational aspects of their work. Many are now designing promotional materials, updating social media, creating digital portfolios, and even experimenting with product photography and video content to showcase their unique offerings. Computers have enabled them to explore new ways to express their vision and to engage with a broader audience, enhancing the reach and impact of their businesses.

Additionally, this technology has allowed them to handle essential business tasks, from budgeting to order tracking and customer correspondence. The computers have become indispensable tools that foster both creativity and efficiency, supporting each individual’s journey toward independence.

Among these success stories is Walter’s Delivery Express, a microenterprise born when Walter began delivering Sam’s IT equipment for Microenterprise People and discovered a love for logistics and customer interaction. Now he manages his own delivery business, gaining confidence and essential skills along the way. This story is one of many ways Microenterprise People and Sam’s Spares are helping individuals realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Together, they’re bridging technology gaps and building an inclusive, supportive network where people with disabilities can thrive and succeed on their terms.

Sam’s Spares has enabled the Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) to better equip its regional offices with digital devices for its members to use. Recently, Indigenous rangers have made good use of donated computers in the IDA’s Broome office and tablet devices have also been used on field trips and for land management training. These devices will have a lasting impact for years to come.

“As an Indigenous-led conservation and land management organisation, we value and respect Sam’s Spares commitment to putting sustainability into action. With your support, Indigenous rangers are better equipped for caring for Country.” – Jade Bromilow, HR and Administration Officer, Indigenous Desert Alliance.

“The IDA is grateful for the generosity of Sam’s Spares in donating much-needed devices to ensure Indigenous rangers have access to the latest technology to facilitate their important work looking after Country in regional Australia.” – Zack Wundke, Sector Development Manager, Indigenous Desert Alliance.

This year has been a monumental year for YAL and our once-off financial support program, YAL Spirit. With the partnership of Sam’s Spares, our program has grown to be the most successful year our program has run. With the devices provided by Sam Spares, we have been able to support 150 young people and, in doing so, provide them with an opportunity to gain digital literacy skills.

Last year, we found we were spending close to $10,000+ on devices for our young people, and it was becoming harder and harder to keep up with the demand, given us being an NFP. When we applied to be a Sam Spares Peer partner, we had no real idea the impact it would have on our young people and the grander scope we would be able to reach with their help.

There is no other program or organisation providing the kind of support Sam’s Spares is. Their hard work, determination and desire to connect our West Australian young people is a passion that we ride with them and are seeing the impact on the individuals. We work closely with disadvantaged young people, and the look on their faces as to the realisation that they have something that is entirely theirs that they no longer must share is something we are honoured to provide and be a part of. This partnership and this year have been second to no other one. It has been a privilege to be a Sam’s Spare’s Peer Partner, and we are beyond grateful for the opportunity.”

Sam's Spares has had an incredible impact on the families and individuals of No Limits Perth this year through their generous donations of refurbished computers and laptops. Their support has been especially meaningful for high school and primary school students, as well as tertiary students who could not afford to purchase or replace essential devices. These refurbished items have provided life-changing opportunities for students to access education, complete assignments, and stay connected in today's digital world. Sam and his dedicated volunteer team embody the spirit of giving by tirelessly repairing and refurbishing electronics and gifting them free of charge to those in need across WA, reducing e-waste while transforming lives.

We have managed to donate a desktop computer to a family who has 2 primary aged children. Both children have severe learning difficulties and having a desktop computer in order for the Mum to be able to home educate has been life changing for them.
 

We donated a laptop to a mum with 2 young boys who had to flee domestic violence in the middle of the night, leaving with only their clothes on their backs.  Having a laptop meant she was able to get to her emails and arrange services to get them back on their feet.  Without this laptop, it would have made life extremely difficult for this specific Mum who has no family or friends near by.
Thank you Sam’s Spares for all you have done to serve our community this year - it has truly been an amazing experience & we have loved working with you.
Warm regards

Janine Wood
Chairperson - No Limits Perth

Shalom House has received many instalments of refurbished IT. This IT supports our residents in our holistic rehabilitation program, as they up skill, disciple and run the many departments required to restore someone who is chained in addiction. This has been a huge contribution to our organisation, we are so grateful for the support of Sam Spares. We have received computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, computer stands, laptops, phones cables and other items all of which are used assist someone in helping change their life.

This has transformed not only how our office looks (amazing) but also how smoothly our office runs. We shifted our office location this year and this presented a perfect opportunity to upgrade IT, to continue supporting around 160 residents coming out of drug and alcohol addiction, DV, homelessness, broken family, and other life controlling issues. As we change one life, we are also changing the lives of children, parents, siblings, grandparents and friends of the person who changes. The IT provides

opportunities for residents including to study various certificates through TAFE or college, run their own businesses, and write CVs to apply for work.

Shalom House is, “Leading the way in Australia in Holistic Rehabilitation, Reintegration & Re-Socialisation”

I'm Emma,

I'm currently studying a Certificate 4 in mental health. It's been over 20 years since I have been in a learning setting and my laptop from Sam's spares is the very first one I have ever owned. It's a great feeling after coming from a lifestyle of chaos and no direction, to be able to get qualified in something I'm passionate about and believe to have lived experience. I take my laptop to the office everyday, use it at home and can take it out with me on the weekends when visiting cafes. It has opened up a world of opportunities for me as I'm learning to use it, as I said it's the first computer/laptop I've ever had. I'm very grateful to Sam Spares for their support, which turn is helping me become qualified and creating a better life for my family and I.

Sam’s Spares is a not-for-profit that

saves unwanted e-waste from landfill. It

is run by Samuel Thomas who has a

passion for community, environment and

electronics. His team repairs and

refurbishes computers, laptops, mobile

phones, gaming systems and other

electronics.

All refurbished items are distributed

through Sam’s Peer–Partner network of

which Blue Tree Project is a part of.

We have helped donate 77 devices to the

Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren

organisation.

"I have been spoilt by you

and received a laptop.

Thank you for the laptop

it’s so cool. You are so kind

to have donated laptops to

people who live with their

grandparents."

- Lucas, Grade Six