Following the hugely successful launch of their new range of sewing threads in 2007, Coats Crafts have donated the remaining stock of their discontinued brands to WORKAID to support their work in Africa.

WORKAID tackles poverty in developing countries by supplying disadvantaged people with the means to earn a living. Each year, the charity collects and repairs over 60 tonnes of unwanted tools and equipment, and sends them to vocational training projects working with widows, orphans, disabled people, HIV/Aids sufferers and refugees.

In 2007, Workaid sent 1,102 sewing machines mainly to projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia – giving over 1,000 people the chance to support themselves and their families. Each machine, lovingly refurbished by a volunteer, is equipped with oil, spare needles and haberdashery.

Clare Watson, Marketing Manager at Coats Crafts said, “After the launch of Coats Cotton and Coats Duet we had a batch of the discontinued Drima and Sylko stock left. It seemed a crime to throw it away, so we looked for a good home for it and were delighted when we found out about WORKAID. We are so pleased that by donating this thread we are helping families in Africa”

The remaining thread has been boxed up and fills six pallets which is being shipped by Coats via WORKAID to projects in Africa.

Kevin Ling, Operations Manager from WORKAID commented, “We always provide threads for the sewing projects we support overseas. The generous donation of sewing threads by Coats Crafts will enable us to pack new, high quality thread with each refurbished sewing machine we dispatch. We are delighted to work with Coats Crafts to see these goods being used for a truly worthwhile cause“

For more information about WORKAID, visit www.workaid.org