REDDITCH Rotarians are appealing for donations at a special drop-in event this month to "transform lives in Africa."

Members of Redditch Rotary and Redditch Kingfisher Rotary Clubs have joined forces to support the Tools With A Mission charity which refurbishes and supplies a variety of tools to over 500 organisations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Donations are welcomed between 11am to 2pm at Morrisons on Warwick Highway in Redditch on Sunday, October 27.

Wanted items include agricultural and gardening tools; builders’ tools; carpenters’ tools; electricians; tools; plumbers’ tools; and power tools; as well as sewing and knitting machines; fully working computers and haberdashery.

John Scott, Rotary Club of Redditch Kingfisher and District Secretary, said: “The cooperation between Tools With A Mission and Redditch Rotary Club has continued over the past 12 months with a large collection of tools and equipment.

“All donated items are prepared and sorted into trade bundles by TWAM before shipping them over to African countries for distribution through the TWAM organisation.

“Amongst the vast number of traditional hand tools donated, there were sewing machines, knitting machines and even a motorised rotavator.

“We are now delighted to have joined forces with the other Rotarians in our area to embark on a major project to collect tools for TWAM.”

Tools With A Mission is a Christian charity that collects unwanted usable tools, refurbishes them, sorts them into trade tool kits and sends them to the developing world for livelihood creation. In doing so, it also supports UK communities through volunteering opportunities and contributes significantly to environmental sustainability by reducing waste and carbon emissions in the UK.

Through its 'local to global' model, it prevents nearly 400 tonnes of tools from crowding UK landfills annually and engages local communities, offering volunteering opportunities that nurture skills and foster social connections.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “The impact of our work resonates globally. These tools equip individuals with the skills needed to completely transform their lives and communities.

“By refurbishing and recycling, we save over 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, demonstrating our commitment to environmental sustainability. Our toolkits serve as catalysts for change, from supporting families and education to strengthening communities. Our local efforts have a global impact, helping to create a world where everyone has the chance to thrive.”

Noor Haq, President of the Kingfisher Club, said: “Sustainability is one of club’s major aims and this is a great example of where items which would otherwise be thrown away are found a new life and, in many cases, lead to new livelihoods and employment opportunities in poor areas of Africa.”