At the launch of the CofE Diocese of Derby's Appeal for Tools, a video address by Archbishop Desmond Tutu appealed to the Derbyshire community to make a difference to people's lives in poor African communities.

The Appeal is inviting members of the public to sort through their garage and garden shed this summer and give any useable, unwanted tools to collection centres located across the county (click here for the list).

Refurbished tools will be either shipped to Africa via the charity Tools for Self Reliance, or, power-operated and gardening equipment unsuitable for Africa will be given to the local conservation and mental health project The Green Health Partnership, and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV).

The Appeal is supported by local authorities, businesses, community organisations, schools and churches across Derbyshire which are 'Working Together To Make A Difference'. Full details of the Appeal can be viewed in an exhibition at the Silk Mill - Derby's Museum of History and Industry until June 20th.

In his address, Desmond Tutu said about Derbyshire: "I am tremendously impressed by all you are doing as a community, recycling and re-using unwanted tools to help others at home and in Africa. Life is about partnerships and community, about working together to make a difference for the common good.

"Development is the most achievable mechanism for reducing poverty. Empowering people in Africa by providing tools and training is the way forward for achieving environmentally sustainable development.

"I encourage everyone to respond generously to this Appeal. Clear out your garage and your garden shed of all those tools you no longer use. If they are broken, they can be fixed. Make a difference to someone's life. Take into your hearts the message to love one another. God bless you in all your efforts."

Ends

Notes to editors:-

This Appeal is supported by:-

• The Rt Rev'd Jonathan Bailey, Bishop of Derby - is patron of the project and offers his full commendation
• The Silk Mill - Derby's Museum of Industry and History - Hosting the launch event and exhibition, and will also act as a collection centre
• Derbyshire County Council - Endorsement from Chief Executive Nick Hodgson
• Derby City Council Mayor's Office - Endorsement from the Mayor and assistance with distribution of publicity material
• Chatsworth Estates - The Estate has donated a 20ft stall free of charge at Chatsworth Country Fair on Sept 4/5.
• Rolls Royce plc - providing printing support for publicity and providing space at its site for tools sorting
• Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service - Offering six of their stations as collection centres
• Sainsbury's (The Wyvern Retail Park, Derby) - Involved as a collection centre
• Laser Rail Ltd, Matlock - Involved as a collection centre
• Lester Lowe Ltd, Ashbourne - Involved as a collection centre