Christmas Craft Stall
Sat 9th Nov 10am - 2pm
First container of the year heads to Uganda ‘filled with Hope, Pride and Dignity’. Packed with nearly 800 boxes, it contains a variety of kits and tools for 17 identified and assessed vocational projects. This enables young people to develop skills to obtain a sustainable livelihood and escape poverty. We are grateful to everyone involved in packing the container, especially Maggie a long time volunteer who the container is named after.
Maggie worked for GSK for 34 years, where she did several roles including lab technician in a variety of departments and later moved to IT where she was a computer programmer and secretary. In addition to working full time, she served over 11 years in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force as a voluntary member. While stationed at RAF Northwood, Maggie took part in a number of NATO exercises, but the most important thing for her was that it was a lot of fun. Among the activities she participated in were rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, and mountain climbing.
In Maggie’s words she was very fortunate to retire early. “Retirement for me was just, wow, this is amazing. I’ve got time, I can do what I want to do, when I want to do it. I saw it as a wonderful opportunity to do other things in life, things that I care about, things that I believe in.
“In my heart, I wanted to do something and help people in other countries, but it had to be practical. So, I visited Workaid and thought, wow, this is amazing. Since then, I have been working half a day in the packing department, making up kits, packing up all kinds of tools and equipment. I never imagined I’d be here for 20 years, but I enjoy it. The impact we’re having on other people is immeasurable, and it’s so fulfilling to do.
I’ve been here 20 years in May, I love it. I love coming here and I like doing something practical.”
I couldn’t believe it when they let me know they were going to call a container Maggie; it was so exciting to me. It means a lot to me, and I’m really happy about it. In addition, I am very happy that the container is going to Uganda, as I have a friend who was a Ugandan refugee and I’ve heard how difficult life can be for them.”
Through the donation of refurbished tools, equipment, and training kits, Workaid empower young people in Africa to build sustainable livelihoods and escape poverty by enabling them to learn vocational skills and knowledge.
“I joined WORKAID in packing almost 20 years ago. I really enjoy my shift on Wednesdays and find it interesting to see the variety of tools that have been cleaned and repaired. But, more importantly, I know it will change the lives of those who un-pack my boxes. Our tools enable them to learn skills, so they can find work and provide for themselves and their families. We send a container that is filled with Hope, Pride and Dignity. What a wonderful gift !!! I am delighted to play a small part in this amazing organisation, and feel honoured that a container has been named ‘Maggie’.”
Sat 9th Nov 10am - 2pm
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Phone Number: 01494 775220
Email Address: admin@workaid.org
Address:
The Old Boot Factory
71 Townsend Road
Chesham
Buckinghamshire
HP5 2AA
Registered Charity: 1041574
The Office
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Closed Tue Dec 24th, reopening Thu 2nd Jan
Tool Donations
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Closed starting Mon 16th Dec, reopening Mon 6th Jan
The Workaid Shop
Thursday, Friday & Saturday
10am – 4pm
Closed Christmas week, reopening Thu 2nd Jan
The Hub
Monday & Tuesday
10am – 3pm
The Office
Monday – Friday
9:30am – 12:30pm
1:30pm – 4:30pm
Closed Tue Dec 24th, reopening Thu 2nd Jan
The Workaid Shop
Thursday, Friday & Saturday
10am – 4pm
Closed Christmas week, reopening Thu 2nd Jan
Tool Donations
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
9:30am – 12:30pm
1:30pm – 4:00pm
Closed starting Mon 16th Dec, reopening Mon 6th Jan
The Hub
Monday – Tuesday
10am – 3pm