Bush benefits from footy boot donation
The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are calling on members and fans to donate their pre-loved footy boots to help our regional communities play, as part of the Boots for the Bush program presented by Elders.
The Cowboys are continuing their long-running partnership with Elders, sending donated football boots to regional communities including Normanton, Mornington Island and Tonga.
The initiative removes remoteness as a barrier to young footballers and gives families access to footwear in locations where visiting sports stores may not be an option.
It also ensures grassroots footballers across the greater North Queensland region have access to quality sports equipment to aid in the development of their skills.
LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP SPREADS COMMUNITY JOY
Elders branch manager Scott Mawn said the partnership, which commenced in 2018, has seen thousands of boots distributed across the region since it began.
“Elders is proud to once again partner with the North Queensland Cowboys on what is a unique initiative that makes a significant difference at the grassroots level,” he said.
“We’ve seen year after year just how grateful kids are when these boots arrive in their communities, especially knowing they may have a special pair that’s been worn by their Cowboys heroes.
“Our donation bin is already starting to fill up with boots of all colours and sizes which we hope will be given a new life and help kids in remote areas step up their game.
“We’re encouraging the people of Townsville to visit our Garbutt branch on Bolam Street and drop off their pre-loved boots and help put a big smile on a child’s face.”
A bin load of boots has already been delivered to Mornington Island by ex-Cowboys player Antonio Winterstein including some owned by North Queensland Cowboys players.
MAKING A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT SINCE 2013
The Campaign was first launched in July 2013 with boots making their way to locations across the North including Palm Island, Cape York Peninsula, Papua New Guinea and Doomadgee.
Cowboys Chief Community and Government Relations Officer Fiona Pelling said the program has been widely appreciated by players in remote Northern communities.
“The partnership with Elders has resulted in a huge number of boots being distributed to these communities and it’s been met with a real sense of gratitude,” she said.
“Not only are these deliveries making a significant difference to the lives of many footballers, but it’s also helping Townsville locals recycle their old boots, preventing them from ending up in landfill.”
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Pre-loved boots in good, wearable condition can be dropped off at these donation points:
- Elders Garbutt, 29-31 Bolam Street
- Cowboys Team Shop (Cowboys Leagues Club)
- Cowboys HQ reception, Hutchinson Builders Centre
