Opportunity International Receives $1 Million In-kind Gift from Lenovo
Opportunity International receives Lenovo computers to expand microfinance operations in developing countries
OAK BROOK, IL., (June 23, 2006) — Opportunity International, a leading global microfinance provider, today announced that Lenovo is donating more than $1 million in computers to Opportunity’s microfinance programs over the next three years. Lenovo, the world’s third largest PC company will contribute to the growth and expansion of new and existing microfinance programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
Having the ability to start up and expand microfinance programs with efficient, high-performing Lenovo computer equipment will enable Opportunity International to finance more than 10,000 new microbusiness entrepreneurs and move more people out of poverty. Having access to the latest technology equipment allows Opportunity International to streamline processes and create operating efficiencies, thus providing high-quality, responsive customer service.
“We are enthusiastic to partner with Lenovo. This gift will help us expand and start up new operations that allow us to serve more poor entrepreneurs,” said Christopher Crane, president and chief executive officer, Opportunity International. “Opportunity International is committed to offering financial services and training to impoverished people to help them move out of poverty. This donation leverages the private dollars that donors have provided for our microfinance operations.”
“Opportunity International is a global leader in microfinance and we are impressed with its innovations and success in personal development,” said Deepak Advani, chief marketing officer, Lenovo. “Lenovo believes that business is an integral part of society and Opportunity International’s goal of reaching promising entrepreneurs in poorer regions aligns with our strategy of improving quality of life and contributing to the development of society.”
About Lenovo Group Ltd.
Lenovo, with executive headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is a unique “new world company” that combines best practices from across the globe to build the industry’s best engineered PC’s. Following the acquisition of the former IBM PC Division the new Lenovo is the third largest PC-maker in the world. Lenovo has R&D, call centers, and manufacturing centers on five continents. Lenovo’s offerings include the rock-solid ThinkPad and ThinkCentre business PC’s and the new 3000 line of PC’s that make computing simpler and easier to manage for small businesses and consumers. For more information about Lenovo, see www.lenovo.com.
About Opportunity International
Opportunity International provides access to savings, small business loans, insurance and training to over five million people working their way out of poverty in the developing world. Clients in over 20 countries use these financial services to start or expand a business, provide for their families, create jobs for their neighbors and build a safety net for the future. For more information, visit http://www.opportunity.org or join the conversation at http://facebook.com/opportunityintl and http://twitter.com/opportunityintl.