At NovoServe, we believe technology infrastructure should be powerful, reliable, and built with purpose. We also believe that purpose extends beyond the data center. When hardware reaches the end of its service life with us, we see an opportunity—not for waste, but for impact.
Driven by our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, we recently embarked on a special project, giving hardware a second life to donate technology for Ukraine and help keep Ukraine connected. This initiative, undertaken with love and in partnership with "Vrienden van Oekraïne" (Friends of Ukraine), transformed servers into a tangible lifeline.
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Herke Plantenga (CEO NovoServe) and Marcel Schilders (Vrienden van Oekraïne) shake hands.
We stand with Ukraine
The connection to Ukraine is deeply felt within NovoServe, built through long-standing relationships with valued Ukranian clients. The ongoing conflict reinforced a desire to help in a meaningful way. "Ukraine has always been important to us," shares Herke Plantenga, CEO of NovoServe. "Hearing firsthand accounts from those affected solidified our resolve. We stand with those who are attacked; we stand for peace and aid." This commitment sparked the idea to turn decommissioned hardware into direct support.
Working with our recycling partner, Whale IT Recycling, 520 NovoServe servers were sustainably processed on October 7th. This responsible approach generated €10,000, which NovoServe proudly donated entirely to Stichting Diel / Vrienden van Oekraïne. This fund was specifically used to purchase 60 essential tablets to be donated for Ukraine.
Understanding the critical need for connectivity, NovoServe also directly donated 60 Huawei network switches to bolster communication infrastructure where it's needed most. The spirit of this partnership was highlighted on October 22nd when Marcel Schilders, board member of Vrienden van Oekraïne, met with CEO Herke Plantenga at NovoServe's Amsterdam data center.
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Hardware with a heart
We are pleased to report that the tablets and network switches have safely arrived in Ukraine, managed on the ground by coordinator Sytske de Boer. This donated hardware is already being deployed to make a significant difference. The IT equipment will support vital communication systems and even aid in the detection of Shahed drones, directly contributing to citizen safety. Furthermore, these resources are being distributed to crucial civil organizations like schools and hospitals, enabling better communication, administration, and medical coordination—truly helping to keep Ukraine connected.
Marcel Schilders from Friends of Ukraine emphasizes the critical role of technology: "The demand for IT hardware in Ukraine is immense," says Schilders. "Technology has become essential for communication, supporting both defense efforts and vital civilian services like hospitals and schools. It's heartening to see the Dutch IT sector contributing to this crucial support."
This project embodies the idea of "Hardware with a Heart." It showcases how collaboration and a commitment to sustainability can transform resources into meaningful support. NovoServe and Vrienden van Oekraïne have worked together to ensure that technology continues to serve a vital purpose.
Want to learn more about the essential work of Vrienden van Oekraïne or make your own contribution for Ukraine? Visit the Vrienden van Oekraïne website.
