Experts needed to give Third World charity gifts the OK THEY are stacked in rows on shelves in a warehouse when they could be changing lives in the Third World.
But instead of making a difference thousands of miles away hundreds of donated sewing machines are still stuck in boxes at a Hampshire charity.
Tools For Self Reliance has 550 electric sewing machines waiting to be despatched to countries across Africa where poverty stricken people can become trained machinists and earn a living.
The charity in Netley Marsh, which sends a shipment of donated tools to Africa every month, now has four volunteer engineers who can check and service the sewing machines but are in need of more people to help clear their overrun warehouse.
Chief Executive Jan Kidd said they have so many that they have to turn donations away.
“To ensure the machine is safe it requires more than a simple PAT test,” she said.
“We would like anyone who has experience troubleshooting mains voltage, know how to use a megger and people with a methodical manner who could train to refurbish electrical sewing machines.
“Ideally we need electricians, electrical engineers and technicians or people who have worked in electrical repair shops.”
Jan said she was also interested in any firms with qualified staff who would like to offer their support through a challenge or teambuilding project to service the machines.
Contact Tools For Self Reliance on 023 8086 9697.
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