Ron Waddling from Tippet-Richardson in Canada explains how Peter Naylor helped provide electricity to the village of Atorkor in Ghana.

The advantages obtained by having solar power energy provided to a remote community are endless. It took human energy and the synergy created by an individual, Peta Hall of Wellington, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada to get solar power electricity to Atorkor Ghana. Peta made the dream true for the Atorkor Vocational Training Institute (AVTI) thanks to the generous financial support of Ruth Crawford and Peter Naylor, along with a community of Canadian supporters.

The umbrella for the process is the Atorkor Development Foundation. Peter Naylor, the family head of Tippet-Richardson, who sadly died on 16 August, 2018, used the mechanics of the moving company still owned and operated by the Naylor family, to assist Peta in achieving her mission for electricity in the village

Tippet-Richardson was established in Toronto in 1927. It operates across North America and internationally. The tag line for the firm after 91 years is ‘Trusted Worldwide Since 1927’. The proficiency developed over the years by the firm became very important since the solar panels, electrical equipment and numerous materials needed were to be transported, packed and shipped from Toronto to Ghana. The firm’s knowledge and expertise overcame many potential complications of shipping today and complemented any funding. It kept Peter at the helm.

Peter the relocations mover kept pace with this project while he continued his work with many other charitable endeavors: personal and through the Rotary Club of Toronto. He also maintained his interests promoting young entrepreneurs.

Solar panels are part of a green approach to the relocation industry by Tippet-Richardson Warehouse Properties. Because of his internal projects Peter had a solid contact in Fidel Reijerse, head of RESCo Energy Inc who supplies the best in solar panel equipment. RESCo also had the know-how and willingness to educate the village of Atorkor. David Carter, Load Generation Analyst of the firm worked the front line with Peta Hall and Peter Naylor to create the strategy for the project. David and his fiancé Chantal James, who became videographer for the mission, travelled to Atorkor to train the community and oversee the installation. Peta remained the thread throughout.

When the container with all the RESCo equipment and a selection of other donated goods, such as computers, arrived at its destination it was emptied by the AVTI (Atorkor Vocational Training Institute) students and then became a store for the school. Sewing machines were now operating full tilt producing finished products by students entering related careers. The electricity opened many doors for further education in numerous fields for both men and women. Even the study of how solar panels work and related electrical occupations were now in reach to Atorkor students and the community.

It is a never-ending story with positive results having electricity in a school and village. Let there be light indeed!

The ways in which international relocation firms and colleagues can come together to give back to communities, as one world, shines a special glow on corporations, volunteers and people like Peter Naylor of Tippet-Richardson, Peta Hall and the countless contributors to the Atorkor solar panel project.

Following Peter’s recent death it has been announced that one of the school buildings will be named Peter Naylor House in his honour.  Read Peter’s obituary here.

Photo top left: Parliamentary Assistant to local MP Kofi Humado; David Carter of RESCo Solar; local MP Kofi Humado; Peta Hall; Stanley Yeboah, AVTI Manager.

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