THE mission of a charity which provides work for people with a range of disabilities has been highlighted by a North Yorkshire MP.
Rishi Sunak, MP for Richmond, paid a visit to the Chopsticks charity in Northallerton which provides work-based activities for its members, many of whom have learning difficulties. The members chop firewood from scrap timber and sell the kindling in the local area.
Mr Sunak said: “My predecessor William Hague is a patron of Chopsticks so I was keen to visit and learn about the work done here.
“Using what is almost useless waste timber, they create a valuable product which generates significant revenue for the charity. Chopsticks’ kindling will certainly be helping to light my fire at home in Kirby Sigston from now on.”
Mr Sunak met Chopsticks manager David Stockport and the charity’s chairman Peter Leng. They explained the work done at the charity’s base on the Omega Business Village and introduced him to staff and members.
He saw how the staff help members to operate different pieces of machinery, take orders, deal with customers and deliver finished packages of firewood.
Chopsticks was set up 20 years ago and was originally based in Springwell Lane, Northallerton. It moved to its present, purpose-built home in Thurston Road in 2008. The charity’s patrons, former Richmond MP William Hague and Lady Masham, performed the opening ceremony.