Thanks to the efforts of our officers and Auckland Rugby League, more than 70 pairs of pre-loved football boots were gifted to children in the community at the weekend.
The boots came in from all over Tāmaki Makaurau as part of the second Auckland Boot Bin project, an initiative where Police from across the region donate and clean pre-loved football boots.
On Saturday, children from around the country filled the grounds at Cornwall Park for the Kiwi Tag National Club Challenge, and with 70 pairs of boots to give away whoever wanted a pair got one.
Acting Inspector Mark Clayton says the event was a big hit.
“In our current climate, finances can be a major factor in kids not getting out on the sports fields. The Boot Bin project is a way to assist by helping to alleviate that issue and creates positive engagement with the kids and their whānau."
The donated pre-loved boots were cleaned up and threaded with new laces before being offered to children at the tournament.
"Thank you to everyone who donated to the cause this year – you have made a huge difference for these tamariki," says Mark.
"A massive thanks also to the Auckland City Youth Engagement Officers team for their preparation and engagement on the day.”