Recycled sports gear campaign hits Whanganui and Marton

REPLAY collection bin at Rebel Sport Whanganui.

The recycled sports gear campaign REPLAY has launched in Whanganui.

The community initiative was started last year by Palmerston North mum Denise Mclean with the aim of gathering new and used sports gear to distribute to local children.

The idea was born when Mclean was having a cleanout at home and decided that rather than hang on to the gear, she would pass it on to local kids and families who may not have sports equipment of their own.

"I had a garage full of sports gear and I was sure there were children out there that could put it to better use," she said.

She said REPLAY was particularly targeted at those who were unable to access equipment or could not afford to buy their own gear.

Items are collected via REPLAY collection bins placed around the region and containers are now available at Sport Whanganui, Rebel Sport, Pita Pit, St Johns School and Marton New World.

Once the bins are full, Mclean will collect the equipment and clean it before it is packaged and delivered to primary school children around the area.

Two of the bins around Whanganui have already been filled with equipment, including balls from the Go Media Manawatu Jets and items from Rebel Sport and the Springvale Stadium Trust.

Sport Whanganui community sport manager Jodie Brunger said she would welcome any donation of sports gear — "including rugby balls, basketballs, netballs, footballs, hockey sticks, rugby/football boots, shin pads etc that are still in a good, re-useable condition".

REPLAY is always looking for new locations to place bins if anyone has suitable premises.
And those wanting more information or who would like to receive sports gear should visit the REPLAY website — www.replay.org.nz — or contact Jodie Brunger at Sport Whanganui on jodie@sportwhanganui.co.nz