Footy Boots charity hits 30k milestone

Boots For All recycles sports equipment for disadvantaged clubs and communities across the country, and is hitting new heights in terms of giving.

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Aussie Rules players in the NT who have received boots. (Photo: Boots For All)

Over the past decade Boots For All has cleaned, polished and posted 30,000 pieces of sports equipment to recipients all over Australia.

Launched in 2006, the idea was simple: collect unwanted sports gear, fix it up and send it to those most in need.

"Sport is something we're very passionate about that all people in Australia should be able to participate in," said CEO Joanne Rockwell. "If finance of the essential sports equipment is the barrier, that's why Boots For All exists, we can break down those barriers."
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Aussie Rules players in the NT who have received boots. (Photo: Boots For All)
Among those on the receiving end were remote Indigenous communities and asylum seekers.

The group also ran a retail outlet where anyone could come and purchase near-new sports gear with all proceeds going to charity.

The idea was to ensure that sports remained the great leveller.

"If you don't have a pair of football boots and you have to play in runners you don't feel the same as everyone else. So if you've got a pair, they might not be the flashest but at least they're football boots," said volunteer Helen Smith.

Volunteers process on average 600 pairs of boots a week, but it's a labour of love.

They're aiming to send out 10,000 items this financial year, with the short-term goal of providing at least 500 people - kids and adults - with a full outfit of gear by the end of August.

Daniel Rigo is one of 70 volunteers the centre hosts a week. He said the group might be inspiring the next Brownlow medallist.

"Sometimes people with those dreams, we help them kick start it by giving the equipment they need then who knows some of those people we might see them play in the AFL the NRL."
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Daniel Rigo at Boots For All. (SBS)


The organisation accepts donations from AFL teams, as well members of the public.

The peak season for collections WERE at the end and beginning of the AFL season, but CEO Joanne Rockwell said donations were needed all year round.

"We say, 'Don't store it, send it'. Send it to us and we'll process it and then send it out who will be able to get it on their feet and get out there and kick a ball."

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3 min read

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By Abby Dinham


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