Always on
This project successfully funded on 7th November 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
Tools for Solidarity
Belfast, United Kingdom
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Aim
To raise funds to buy a new electric van.
Tools for Solidarity is a not for profit voluntary charitable organisation based in the heart of Belfast.
We rely on donations of tools, sewing machines and volunteers to sustain our work of supporting artisans in sub Sahara Africa to increase their income generation and improve the quality of their lives and that of their communities.
We have a strong group of both international and local volunteers. Without their dedication and commitment it would be impossible to continue our vital work.
We provide sheltered supported placements for local people with extra support needs, lessening their social isolation and bringing them the opportunity to learn new skills in a social environment and to help others. This has a real benefit to their mental well-being.
We also deliver a free education programme to promote sustainability in primary schools and amongst adult groups with a particular focus on fast fashion.
We are committed to sustainability and to social justice. We are active in the circular economy in Northern Ireland supporting local repair cafes and the Belfast Tool Library.
But to keep our work going we need to buy a new van...
Trigger's brush has nothing on our van. 11 years of running the roads, 148,000 miles and it has seen 3 new engines come and go. And just about everything that can be replaced, has been, more than once!
It has been central to all that we do. Journeys to the back and beyond to collect tools, sewing machines ... we could say everything but the kitchen sink ... only there's been too many of those to mention.
But there comes a time when all good things come to an end. Our van was certainly a good thing ... but sadly it has come to the end of its road! Condemned to go to that recycling centre in the sky.
We used the van for EVERYTHING!!
We are asking for your help to raise money to buy a new electric van (we already have our own solar panels so we can recharge it sustainably).
The new van will ensure we are able to continue our vital work in collecting tools and sewing machines so we can repair and refurbish them in our workshop in Belfast and ship out to Tanzania.
The projects in Tanzania rely on us for their livelihood. Receiving a sewing machine / tools from us means that the people we help can set up their own businesses and therefore improve their situation. This makes a huge difference. Being able to afford a solar panel to ensure they have electricity. Or having enough money to send their children to school. Buying seed to grow vegetables. Being able to afford a wooden bed. Buying a goat. All of these are life changing.
For the time being we are relying on the good will of others to help with our collections but this is not sustainable in the long run. We need your support.
Please help us to get our show back on the road as soon as possible.
Thank you!
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made