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Five thousand families connected to the web thanks to regional press campaign

Five thousand low-income families have been helped to get on the internet thanks to a campaign support by the regional press.

HTFP reported in January how Reach plc and Newsquest titles have joined the Cash for Connectivity appeal, which has been launched by the former’s hyperlocal news service In Your Area.

The emergency fundraising appeal has so far raised nearly £50,000 to pay for 5,000 internet dongles – inexpensive hardware to connect laptops and up to 10 other devices per household to the web.

Ed Walker, audience and content director for Reach PLC’s regional titles and editor-in-chief of In YourA rea, has praised the northern titles involved in the campaign.

How the appeal was launched by the Hull Daily Mail

How the appeal was launched by the Hull Daily MailInyou

He said: “I’m proud our titles across the North of England united together, and with rival publishers, to provide this crucial kit to help so many families.

“Many thanks to the generous readers both of our digital and print titles who donated money to help make this happen.

“From titles like the Echo in Liverpool to the Gazette in Teesside it shows the special bond we have with the communities we serve and stand for. They know we will not stand by during times of need.”

The appeal’s launch was sparked by the Laptops for Kids campaign, which was started up in September by JPIMedia daily The Star, in Sheffield, in a bid to help provide computers for disadvantaged children during the coronavirus lockdown.