REFURBISHED tools will go to those that need them in Malawi this year thanks to the hard work and support of volunteers at The Ecology Centre and the Rotary Club of Cowdenbeath.

After being closed for over six months due to COVID-19, The Ecology Centre got its Tool Shed volunteering programme up and running again less than two months ago.

Since then, they have been working round the clock to get their biggest shipment of tools ready and the Cowdenbeath Rotarians were delighted to get involved after their outlet in the town closed

Over the past four years the club members, with backing of the communities of the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area, have seen more than 1,000 old tools refurbished at Tools With A Mission, at Woodend.

However, when it closed earlier this year they didn’t have an outlet for their collections from the public

But then the club’s international convener, Tom Russell, came across the Tool Shed project at the Kinghorn based Fife Ecology Centre.

Tool Shed officer, Lee Brown, said: “Previously we would have shipped six kits, however our volunteers have been desperate to keep busy, get back to it and are working hard to produce a record 14 kits.

“To enable us to reach this target we have been very grateful for the support of the Rotary Club of Cowdenbeath in helping us to collect old, unwanted and used tools.

“Without these donations and the donations we’ve received from members of the public, we couldn’t produce these kits. We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated group of volunteers who are working hard to transform all these rusty tools.”

Tom said: “The Tool Shed’s operation and objectives embrace so many of the aims of the Rotary ideals and projects – like endowing and empowering individuals and communities with the means to develop and improve their quality of life, both at international and local community levels.

“The exponential benefits to everyone involved are evident and conducive to skills development, social goodwill and good health, as well as the environmental element of the Tool Shed’s work.

“Rotary clubs recognise the importance of sustainable support and continuity for such projects and commend the willingness of our local communities and public for their generous support.”

Tom added: “The loss of the TWAM base in Cowdenbeath was a blow but our relationship with the Tool Shed volunteers is going to give us a new avenue to see refurbished tools go to parts of the world who are desperate for them to help communities provide food for their tables.”

The Tool Shed has a dedicated team of 16 volunteers, including some that have committed in excess of 1,000 hours to get this shipment fir Malawi ready.

Tools are donated by the public, refurbished and are then donated via charitable partners - Tools for Self Reliance and the Scottish based Global Concerns Trust.