Housing group steps in to help Ilkley ‘tool’ charity | News

A local charity that helps provide tools to communities in Africa has moved ‘home’ with the help of Incommunities.

^{( Picture shows local Neighbourhood Housing Officer, Josie Crook with Frank McCrickard (right) and Gordon Jackson (front) from Ilkley Tools for Africa at the project’s new home. )}

When Ilkley Tools for Africa found themselves looking for a new home in the town, the Shipley-based group came forward to offer two hard to let garage sites in Ben Ryhdding.

This week delighted volunteers received the keys to their new base from Incommunities’ Neighbourhood Housing Officer, Josie Crook.

The charity was forced to find new storage and workshop facilities after the owner of their previous base decided to sell up.

The team at Ilkley Tools for Africa rely on local donations of unwanted tools and sewing machines which they clean up and restore.

The items are then shipped via another charity Buckinghamshire-based Workaid to training projects in East Africa, where they help vulnerable groups to learn new skills and in some cases help people to start their own business.

Founder of Ilkley Tools for Africa Frank McCrickard said: "We are so grateful to Incommunities for their support in providing us with a new base.

"It means we can continue our work recycling tools that would lie unused or worse, end up as landfill. Instead they are refurbished and end up in the hands of people who desperately need them and will help them make a living".

Anna Fryer, Incommunities’ Director of Neighbourhoods, said: "The garages have proved very difficult to let and when Ilkley Tools for Africa got in touch we were delighted to help them.

"Their work to improve lives and equip people with the ‘tools’ to change their lives also reflects our vision and values as a social landlord.

"We wish the volunteers every success in their invaluable work."

If you would like to make a donation to Ilkley Tools for Africa or volunteer with the project ring 01943 608655 or email thatcanyon@talktalk.net