Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. We have been supporters of the work of Tools for Self-Reliance for a number of years. They do great work in six countries in Africa, working with and empowering local people and communities to change their lives through providing them with life-transforming gifts of refurbished hand tools. Many of these tools would otherwise lie around unused in garages or garden sheds, or worse still, end up at the dump and go for landfill. What a waste, when they can be refurbished with a bit of care and attention and given a new life. Perhaps you have got some tools you no longer need or use - have a think about it. If you want to find out about local collection points in the UK near to where you are, email info@tfsr.org or telephone its office near Southampton on 023 8086 9697.

The other thing we like about Tools for Self Reliance is that it is a small but efficiently run charity, with no swanky offices or thousands of staff. Much of its work is actually done by volunteers and the charity works really hard to make every donation (both tools and money) count. Last year, Tools for Self Reliance sent 756 toolkits to Africa, with a nominal value if bought new of over £0.6 million: the toolkits themselves comprised over 32,000 refurbished tools including woodworking tools, manual sewing machines, and bicycle repair tools.

 Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Tools for Self Reliance and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the Tools for Self Reliance.

So please dig deep and donate now and let's make it a celebration to remember in as many ways as possible.