Editorial: Bring Yer Boots for the kids

Sports reporter Shane Hurndell and former Hawke's Bay Today journalist Greg Taipari pictured with all the rugby boots handed in last year.

One of the best campaigns Hawke's Bay Today launched last year was our highly successful "Bring Yer Boots" drive.

We called on our readers to find any old footy boots and bring them to our offices so that we could distribute them to children who wanted to play footy in the winter, but did not have boots. Well, the response was overwhelming and soon our offices were filled with boots of all shapes and sizes.

More than 800 boots, some used and even some new ones, were donated by our generous readers.

The response from the kids who received the boots was also incredible and one young man's response stuck in my mind. "Now I can run faster," he said as he looked at his new boots.

That made the entire campaign worthwhile.

Once again we are teaming up with Sport Hawke's Bay, the plan being that we will collect the boots from our readers and Sport Hawke's Bay will make sure that those who need them will get them.

We have also decided this year that not only will we accept footy boots, but running shoes and sports shoes as well.

If experience is anything to go by, our offices will soon be filled with piles of boots.

That is exactly what we want. So, have a look around your house and see if there are any boots or sports shoes that will make someone's day.

Our offices from Napier to Dannevirke will be happy to accept any boots. The addresses are:

- 42 Tennyson St, Napier

-301 Heretaunga St East, Hastings

-76 Ruataniwha St, Waipukurau

-16 Gordon Rd, Dannevirke

We need your help and I have no doubt you will respond.