Tools for Solidarity - Now accepting all hand tools! October 2023: The Malahide Lions Club campaign in support of the Belfast based voluntary charity Tools for Solidarity (TFS) has so far yielded 240 unwanted sewing machines and 250 various other tools as well as some larger industrial machines. These have been collected by TFS and will be fully refurbished before shipping to projects in various parts of East Africa which provides training and supports artisans to create employment opportunities and help local communities become more self-reliant. The larger industrial machines can be used for group training in Tanzania.
Once a van load has been gathered and assembled, TFS will organise collection of the machines and tools. Any club considering the launch of a collection campaign in its area can get more detail from the Tools For Solidarity website, and is very welcome to get in touch with us, or to call Damian on 089 4585 090 for further information or advice.
The donated items collected by Malahide Lions Club are stored by Swords Men's Shed until a van load has been assembled for collection by TFS. The provision of this facility for the temporary storage of these heavy and bulky items is a key element of the project and we are grateful to Swords Men's Shed for their vital assistance.
Loading day with members of Swords Men's Shed and, on right, two volunteers from Tools for Solidarity.
September 9th: On 9th September, a second donation of 52 sewing machines was collected by Tools for Solidarity. We will continue with this valuable initiative as long as the machines keep coming!
June 8th: Between 40 and 50 sewing machines were donated to this worthwhile cause. Tools for Solidarity drove down from Belfast to collect this valuable donation. The machines will be repaired, refurbished as necessary and given to suitable organisations abroad and at home.