Reuse Littleborough want your old swings

Reuse Littleborough

Reuse Littleborough, a charity entirely run by volunteers at Stevenson Square in Smallbridge, aim to reuse many every day items that would otherwise end up in the bin. In addition to helping people locally, Reuse Littleborough has worked closely with the Forever Angels baby home in Tanzania.

Following a successful school uniform campaign earlier this year, the charity is now hoping to replace some swings and acquire some gardening equipment.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/111584/reuse-littleborough’s-school-uniform-appeal-is-huge-success

Michael Bamford, who runs Reuse Littleborough, said: “We have had so many outdoor sit and ride toys donated: the kids will be made up as they spend most of their days outside.

“They have a set of swings that have literally been used to bursting point and I would love to replace the ten swings. I have five small new ones, but I need five bigger ones for toddlers and above.

“It would be great if we could also get a larger one that can hold a staff member with one of the disabled children.”

The Baby Home also need some tools, garden equipment like spades and forks, clippers, shears, a traditional lawnmower, step ladders, screwdrivers, hammers, spanners and similar items, plus wellies and rain macs.

He added: “It's only stuff that you don't need, stuff that may get chucked out.”

The group accepts most items including baby and children's clothes, school clothing (including shirts, skirts, shorts, pants and black shoes), other clothing, children’s toys, pre-school toys and books, disabled equipment for children, and wheelchairs.

Toiletries, including toothbrushes, shampoo, wipes, cotton wool, buds, and medical items such as plasters, bandages, syringes, Calpol, thermometers, and sanitary products are also accepted.

Forever Angels was set up by Amy Hathaway, who now lives in Bolton, after she found four dying babies in a hospital closet. She was told they were dying of AIDS, but actually, they were dying from starvation and neglect. She started the home which has cared for over 300 babies.

In 2015/16, Reuse Littleborough sent a 40ft container to Forever Angels and are again supporting them this year, due to an upcoming ban on imports of used clothing entering Tanzania by 2019. New clothes have already been banned in Tanzania as part of the East African Community’s plan to boost regional trade of their diminishing textile industry.

One of their success stories include Haji, a young child who had his life changed by one of 15 bicycles donated:

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/110106/bicycle-from-reuse-littleborough-changes-haji%E2%80%99s-life