Desmond Tutu pays flying visit
This is an archived news story, written on: February 13, 2009
The cold winds at Netley Marsh abated recently with a flying visit from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. This was Archbishop Tutu’s first ever visit to Tools for Self Reliance, and what a tonic it proved to be.
After touring the workshops and seeing for himself the unwavering commitment of our volunteers, our patron met with a handful of volunteers and staff. Referring to Tools for Self Reliance as “a good story” the Archbishop reaffirmed his support and left everyone feeling a bit warmer and standing a bit taller.
Volunteer sewing machine refurbisher Mary Smith said it all when she thanked the Archbishop for taking time out from a busy schedule to visit. “This means so much to us, your being here”, she said, before being drowned out by a round of spontaneous applause.