Boots are already coming in as new campaign begins

GOOD HAUL: Sport Hawke's Bay's former commercial manager Kevin Murphy (left), development officer primary schools Sally McKenzie, and Hawke's Bay Today editor Andrew Austin, with last year's donated boots. PHOTO/FILE

The third annual Bring Yer Boots campaign has officially kicked off and the footwear is already flooding in.

The cross-code campaign, driven by Hawke's Bay Today in conjunction with Sport Hawke's Bay, is aimed at helping young players whose families may struggle to kit them out with the correct gear.

Last year more than 800 pairs of boots and sneakers were donated which helped children across the region get ready for the season.

Magpie prop Jason Long knows some families struggle to afford boots.

"I know people have got boots sitting in the shed, they are just going to waste and will probably end up in the bin."

He knows it can be costly replacing boots every year or two, especially when counting travel costs, club fees and uniforms.

"For families with four or five kids who play rugby that's tough," he said.

Sport Hawke's Bay's talent development manager Marcus Agnew said it was a fantastic cause that helps break down barriers for kids in sport.

"Boots aren't cheap and feet grow fast so it's great to have a system in place to recycle them.

He said people are bound to have boots lying around and encouraged them to donate as they would end up in a good place.

"I even managed to get rid of a few pairs last year," Mr Agnew said, adding that proper footwear was crucial for kids to have a chance in their sport and enjoy their season.

Hawke's Bay Today editor Andrew Austin said he was thrilled that once again the paper could team up with Sport Hawke's Bay to help disadvantaged children in our community.

"Seeing the joy on the faces of the children when they got their new boots made it all worthwhile," Mr Austin said.

Don't hang up your boots! Donate them.

DROP-OFF POINTS
# NZME House, level 1, 105 Dickens St, Napier
#301 Heretaunga St East, Hastings
# 76a Ruataniwha St, Waipukurau
# 16 Gordon St, Dannevirke