The charity Tools with a Mission (TWAM) is seeking support from local businesses after thieves destroyed their van outside their Rugby renovation center in a devastating blow to their work. The van makes daily trips to collect donated tools from across the country to be refurbished and sent to Africa. They are looking for support in the form of a new van or financial support for a safe and secure parking space as their yard is no longer secure.
Employees drove into the yard Wednesday morning to see the front end of the van was completely missing. The night before, thieves had removed the entire engine, transmission, hood and driver’s seat. The van is completely unusable and will likely be written off
This van is an integral part of the charity’s work. It was only purchased a year ago thanks to a grant. Tools donated by members of the public and collected by the charity’s network of volunteers are collected by van and returned to their refurbishment centers. Without this transporter, the tools have no way of getting to the centers where they are processed and sent to training centers in Africa.
Mike Griffin, CEO said: “With the cost of living crisis taking our incomes hard and spending skyrocketing, this is heartbreaking and we urgently need support on the ground.”
Frieda from Zambia changed her life with her sewing machine. She just couldn’t afford to feed her eight children or send them to school. Since she got a machine and became a seamstress, her family can eat every day and finally start their education. This is the true impact of TWAM tools; Without this van, thousands of people will not be able to pull themselves out of their lives of poverty and suffering.
Ian, Assistant Volunteers Manager at Rugby Centre, said: “I’m absolutely disappointed. How could anyone do this to a charity?” Other volunteers at the center are outraged by this act of theft and destruction.
Local police told the charity they would never again be able to keep a van in their garden as they would most likely continue to be targeted. This poses a significant problem for the charity as they have nowhere else to park their van overnight or at the weekend.
The charity is asking local organizations and businesses to consider offering them a safe place for their van once they’ve managed to acquire a new one. They are also asking businesses and local philanthropists to support the charity by replacing the van or possibly offering financial support to buy a new one.
About tools with a mission
TWAM has been sending refurbished donated tools to Africa and keeping them out of UK landfills since 1984. The tools are packaged in trade kits and sent to local organizations that teach valuable skills like carpentry, tailoring and mechanics to vulnerable members of society. These skills give them the power to earn their own income and launch their own careers, break the cycle of poverty and maintain their independence.
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact James Noble, Fundraising and Communications Officer, on 07738494005 or email jamesn@twam.uk.
More information about the charity and its activities can be found on their website www.twam.ukor our Facebook and Instagram (@toolswithamission).
