Boots flowing in for kids who need them

Boots are flooding into the offices.

Hawke's Bay Today's Bring yer Boots campaign keeps growing legs - with scores of boots coming into the offices.

The cross-code initiative - launched last month with Magpies first five-eighth Ihaia West donating a pair of his playing boots - is geared to encourage people to donate their old sports boots for children needing some sprigged footwear this winter.

Although 200-odd pairs of boots were distributed to a handful of school on Friday, it hasn't stopped Hawke's Bay locals continuing to support the worthwhile cause.

Even businesses have got behind it. Three weeks after it was launched, the owner of the New Zealand arm of worldwide franchise operation The Athlete's Foot, Ed Connolly, donated a dozen new pairs of boots. The idea to donate the old season's boots to a good cause instead of knocking them down at reduced prices came after Mr Connolly read of the campaign.

Hawke's Bay Today editor Andrew Austin said he was proud to support the initiative and there was still time to donate.

"It's ongoing and it's great to know the boots will be going to those who need them. Boots can often be the most expensive item in any winter kit.

"I want to sincerely thank all those who have made the campaign such a success and freely gifted the boots," Mr Austin said.