Tools for Self Reliance

SI Port Talbot are pleased to work in partnership with “Tools for Self Reliance Cymru” an organisation which refurbishes tools,sewing and knitting machines which are then sent to Tanzania where local people are taught to use the tools and set up workshops

We all have old tools rusting away in the garden shed, a sewing machine lying idle in the attic,a knitting machine in the spare room – never used!!Discussions at a Club Business meeting revealed many members had numerous items which for sentimental reasons they could not bring themselves to throw away.
After some investigation ‘Tools for Self Reliance Cymru’ was located and we set about collecting items. When refurbished items are packed into containers, no space is wasted… sewing and knitting materials are packed into the smallest of spaces.In Tanzania people are taught how to use the tools, to become blacksmiths and seamstresses and to set up workshops and businesses; in the workshops they are now able to make and refurbish tools themselves.
The money that is earned helps build schools, send their children to school and have allowed people to become self sufficient.

We held a publicity day one Saturday at the local shopping centre and two weeks later had a collection point there.
We expected one or two machines and a few tools! In four hours on that Sunday morning alone we collected 32 sewing machines, 2 tons of tools plus knitting and sewing materials.

We have collected to date:
3 tons of tools
30 kilograms of knitting and sewing materials
53 sewing machines
- we are now collecting knitting machines

What has been interesting is most of the people who have given all this have said the items belonged to someone special so they couldn’t just “dispose of them” and were really pleased they could go to give someone a real start in life and make a difference.

Look around your home or workplace – if you have any old tools, knitting or sewing machines or materials “Please Donate” … we can arrange collection.

MOST WANTED TOOLS !!!

CARPENTRY : Claw hammers; Woodwork vices(medium); Rebate planes; Plough planes; Spoke shaves; Jack planes; Smoothing planes; Sash cramps and sash cramp ends.

BLACKSMITHS : Paraffin blowlamps; Pillar drills; Engineering & Leg vices (medium); Hand vices & Tap+Die sets; Hand operated grinders; Bolt cutters & Pipe-benders …….. and, of course, Anvils

ALL LEATHERWORK TOOLS ; SEWING  KNITTING MACHINES

All hand tools are welcome; those above are in short supply.

Members of SI port Talbot will be arranging a collection event, so watch out for the date.

You can also contact TFSR :-

on 01874 730155  ;  or 07929 109334 during open hours (Wed-Fri 10am-2pm; Saturday 10.30am – 12.30pm; Tuesday & Thursday Refurbishing 7.30pm – 9.30pm)

www.tfsrcymru.org.uk      -       contact@tfsrcymru.org.uk