The popular tools collection by Rotary Phoenix Thame and District on behalf of Tools for Self Reliance – TFSR - is back! The event will take place in the car park next to Thame’s Market House (Citizens Advice Bureau) on Saturday 16 July between 9:00 am and 1pm.
Only a limited range of tools will be accepted by Rotary as required by TFSR. These are:
- electric and manual sewing machines
- a limited set of hand tools: screwdrivers, sockets sets, spanners, bench vices, saws, hacksaws, planes
- 240V hand tools produced by Black & Decker, De Walt, Bosch.
- a limited set of garden tools: forks and spades which have wooden handles.
Any tools which are not mentioned in the above list are automatically excluded. Specifically, the following will not be accepted:
- garden tools other than the limited set
- lathes
- jars of nails, screws, nuts, bolts
- domestic metal scrap
- band saws
- work benches
- computers
- knitting machines.
Once tools are donated to Rotary, they are taken to 'Tools for Self Reliance' (TFSR) collection centre in Southampton. TFSR charity’s volunteers refurbish them and send them to NGO's in Africa. The NGO's then distributes them free to men and women which helps them to obtain work.
All of the tools sent to Africa are used to provide training and equip trainees with their own start up kits to set up their own businesses after completing training not only in their chosen trade, but in business management, financial, and life skills.
One such trainee was Windiderson Kusowa. Nearly 10 years ago, he trained as a tailor as part of a TFSR project in Malawi. Since then, he has become a well-known tailor in the Nchalo community, and has passed his skills to fifteen young tailors.
Rotary Phoenix’s doors are largely open to welcome new volunteer members, women and men, who want to give something back to the community.
To find out more about the Rotary Phoenix Thame & District or how to join, please visit www.thame.rotary1090.org or www.facebook.com/thamerotary or www.instagram.com/thame.rotary
