Don't hang up your boots - donate them, like Ihaia West

CAMPAIGN FACE: Blues and Magpies pivot Ihaia West with a pair of boots he will be donating to the campaign. PHOTO/NZME.

Hawke's Bay Magpies and Blues rugby first five-eighth Ihaia West had no hesitation when asked to become the face of Hawke's Bay Today's Bring Yer Boots campaign again this year.

"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.

Last year, more than 800 pairs of footy boots were collected for children who could not afford boots. The majority of youngsters who donated as well as received during the campaign ranked West as their favourite Magpie and this was before his Ranfurly Shield-saving heroics, including the October 11 dropped goal which secured a 20-all draw with Southland at McLean Park and ensured the Log O Wood remained in the Bay for the summer.

"Obviously it was such a positive campaign last year and hopefully there is more of the same this year," West said.

"We're fortunate as Super [Rugby] players we get plenty of sponsored boots and I love wearing different ones during the season. Like the other Super players in the Magpies squad I'll be donating at least one pair to the campaign."

Although, West pointed out they were unlikely to be his favourite white high cut Nike ones at this stage.

In a first for the campaign, readers are being asked to donate running or sports shoes as well.

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.

"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.

"It is fantastic that a player of the calibre of Ihaia is supporting the worthy campaign. He is a role model to many kids in the Bay."

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."