Burstow supports hard working local charity

11.44.49am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th Sep 2007

On the 11th of September Paul Burstow MP visited 'Tools for Self Reliance' a local charity which sends refurbished tools and sewing machines to a number of countries in Africa. Mr Burstow visited the charity to congratulate them on all their hard work, and took the opportunity to donate a hand sewing machine belonging to his wife.

'Tools for Self Reliance' was established in Sutton in 1992, and is run on an entirely voluntary basis. It works on projects with its partner organisations to support some 7,000 artisans in Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Each partner organisation supports groups of artisans mostly located in rural areas and requests tools as they are needed. This means that every box of tools and sewing machine which leaves the country is allocated to a particular group.

Commenting on the event, Mr Burstow said, "Tools for Self Reliance is an excellent charity, run by a fantastic group of volunteers. It serves an important role in reminding us that practical support to developing countries should not be overlooked. Empowering artisans in these countries plays an essential part in ensuring that many families earn a regular income, and benefits the wider community by giving it access to affordable, locally made products."