MEMBERS of a charity that helps to combat poverty in Africa gathered at Stanton Country Park yesterday to receive donations of unwanted tools.

The Swindon branch of Tools for Self-Reliance asked people to raid their garages and garden sheds in the hope of finding spare tools that could be put to good use in some of the poorest parts of the world.

Tools of any type and in any condition were gratefully accepted, from rusty spades to brand new hoes.

Volunteer Derek Billingham said: “Our aim is to move people in Africa out of unemployment or underemployment and into meaningful, sustainable work, which we do through the provision of tools and training.

“We send tools to Africa in response to requests from our partners, who tell us the types that they need, and the trades that are in demand. As the tools will be used to help people earn a living they need to be good quality and in good working order.

“Our volunteers sort and renovate tools that are donated. These renovated tools are put into kits for specific trades, packed into containers and sent to several African countries.”

The charity, which last year shipped some 25,000 tools to Africa, works in such poverty-stricken countries as Ghana, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

It was started in 1979 by a handful of dedicated volunteers and the Swindon branch will have been active for six years this April.

Today, there are hundreds of volunteers in Tools for Self-Reliance groups all over the country, collecting and refurbishing tools, and there are scores of others collecting tools, raising money and publicising its work.

Derek said: “While the tools are an important part of our holistic approach, we provide vocational training as well as business and life skills to ensure sustainability.

“Financial donations help ensure that we can deliver this training. We rely on the generosity of our supporters, volunteers as well as donations to continue this work.”

In a plea for support, Derek said: “We receive and collect tools all the time and are always grateful for donations. We never reject anything and nothing ever goes to waste.”

To donate tools to the charity, email Derek at derek.billingham@btinternet.com or call 01793 692596. The group will be grateful for any donation.