Bring Yer Boots campaign a win-win for all concerned

Hawke's Bay Magpie and Clive rugby player Jonah Lowe is behind the Bring your Boots campaign. Photo / Paul Taylor

It is that time of year to rummage around for any old footy boots and sports shoes to donate to the third annual Hawke's Bay Today Bring Yer Boots campaign.

This is the third year in a row the newspaper has, in conjunction with Sport Hawke's Bay, driven the project to get footy boots and sports shoes for youngsters who cannot afford them.

Readers are encouraged to look for any old boots and hand them in at the newspaper's offices in Napier, Hastings, Waipukurau and Dannevirke. Those keen to donate boots in Wairoa can hand them in at the Wairoa Community Centre.

Hawke's Bay Today editor Andrew Austin said the paper was, once again, pleased to be able to drive this very important cause.

"It certainly is one of the most rewarding projects we are involved in.

"Our readers are very generous people and have shown that in the past.

"I believe we will get a large number of boots in so that youngsters can go out and enjoy themselves on the sports field," Mr Austin said.

Sport Hawke's Bay commercial manager Ryan Hambleton said Bring Yer Boots was a win-win campaign.

"We think it's an awesome initiative.

"Anything that will get kids more active and reduces the barriers is a good thing."

This will be Mr Hambleton's first year involved with the drive but he has kept a "close eye" on previous campaigns.

"The fact there have been over 800 pairs donated in previous years makes such a huge difference to a number of kids across the whole community."

He said it would be awesome to get a record number of donations and help out even more kids this year.

"They all go and get snapped up pretty quickly so there is obviously a demand for it."

Drop-off points:

* NZME House, Level 1, 105 Dickens St, Napier.

* 301 Heretaunga St East, Hastings.

* 76a Ruataniwha St, Waipukurau.

* 16 Gordon St, Dannevirke

* Wairoa Community Centre, 33 Marine Parade, Wairoa