Unwanted tools? Donate to Rotary charity

THE Rotary Club of Thame wants everyone to check their sheds, garages and lofts and bring any old tools to the main car park in Upper High Street, Thame, on Saturday morning, May 28, between 10am and 1pm.

Richard from Malawi proudly demonstrates his donated sewing machine – Photo: TFSR

Every year the Rotary Club of Thame runs a collection point for unwanted tools. These are then taken to the collection centre in Milton Keynes run by Tools for Self Reliance, a charity which refurbishes tools and sends them to NGOs in Africa. The NGOs then distribute them FREE to men and women who are then able to use them to earn a living.

All the tools sent to Africa by Rotary are used to equip trainees with their own start-up kits after completing the training in business management, finance and life skills, as well as in their chosen trade.

One such trainee is Richard from Malawi. Richard was unable to complete his education but since learning to be a tailor, and receiving additional training in business and life skills, financial planning, and health awareness, his life has been transformed. He received a start-up kit to establish his own tailoring business, and his monthly income has now doubled as a result.

Richard has used the additional income to purchase goats, a new house for his family with an iron sheet roof, and most importantly for him, pay school fees for his children – making sure that they get the education he missed out on is Richard’s priority.

Items which can be collected include sewing machines, tools used for plumbing, carpentry, metalworking, building, bicycle repair, shoe repair and car repairs. (But no garden tools please – these can however, be donated to a different charity, Tools Shed LINK HERE )

For more information visit www.thame.rotary1090.org or www.facebook.com/thamerotary