Once again our readers have responded to our appeal for any old footy boots or sports shoes in our Bring Yer Boots campaign.
Our offices from Napier to Dannevirke have each had a number of boots dropped off to give to children who need them to be able to participate in sport this winter - and the pile is continuing to grow.
Hawke's Bay Today is repeating last year's highly successful Bring Yer Boots campaign, where more than 800 pairs of footy boots were collected.
The newspaper has also teamed up with Sport Hawke's Bay again to ensure those children can't afford boots will still be able to play sport this winter.
What is new this year, though, is asking readers to donate running or sports shoes as well.
Hawke's Bay Magpies and Blues rugby first five-eighth Ihaia West has once again joined the campaign to get boots for budding Magpies who can't afford them.
"I was stoked to see how successful the campaign was last year and I'm only too happy to get on board again," West said.
Hawke's Bay Today editor Andrew Austin said the campaign was a way in which the paper could help those in need.
"Last year we were able to bring joy to a number of less-fortunate children in our communities, thanks to the generosity of our readers. This year we have seen a steady start to the campaign, but we need many more boots."
Mr Austin encouraged readers to have a look around for any old boots or sports shoes that were no longer in use.
"We believe this is a great way to open the way up for all children to play sport. Thanks to Sport Hawke's Bay for partnering with us in this very important venture."
Sport Hawke's Bay commercial manager Kevin Murphy said: "We saw last year the amazing impact the boot programme had on kids being able to play sport. It is fantastic that Hawke's Bay Today has again supported this initiative.
"We like the idea that good second-hand shoes can be part of it, too, this year.
"Many children can't afford to have good running shoes to enjoy quality training for their sport."
Drop-off points
42 Tennyson St, Napier
301 Heretaunga St East, Hastings
76 Ruataniwha St, Waipukurau
16 Gordon Rd, Dannevirke
Boots and sports shoes, which should be clean, can be dropped off at the above addresses from today until the start of the second school term on Monday, April 20.
