Donate your old tools to help those in need

Tools For Solidarity is a nonprofit development organisation from Northern Ireland run entirely by volunteers.

It supports artisans and communities in some of the poorest countries in the world by providing high quality refurbished hand tools and machines.

The donations of hand tools and sewing machines will be used in sub Saharan Africa. In the struggle to develop, bare hands are not enough for those living there.

The donated tools and machines are given to skilled tradespeople in Tanzania and Uganda, providing them with the chance of using them to make a livelihood for themselves and their families.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan, said:“Tucked away in our sheds and garages are saws, vices, hammers and many different hand tools which we have bought ourselves or inherited from parents and grandparents.

“These tools can make a dramatic difference to the lives of trades-people in Africa.

“This is a great opportunity to donate your unwanted or unused hand tools and sewing machines to be put to good use and help those most in need in developing countries.”

The tools and sewing machines provide people and communities in sub Saharan Africa with the means to start their own business.

Council’s Waste and Recycling Officer, Fiona Watters said, ““I would encourage everyone to dust down unwanted hacksaws, planes, screwdrivers and sewing machines and donate them to help change lives.

“Construction of houses, plumbing installations and metal working as well as other trades provides an income, the ability to support families, buy food and help children through school which is a significant factor in breaking the cycle of poverty.

To support this project please donate your unwanted tools and sewing machines during the last week in August to: Coleraine Donation Drop Point is Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Coleraine Office, 66 Portstewart Road, Coleraine, BT52 1EY. The office is open for donations from 9am to 5pm, Monday 24th to Friday, August 28.

Staff will be on hand to assist lifting of items if required.