30 November 2017

Generous start to recycled sports gear initiative

Eager to share their love of sport and encourage kids to be active, Replay, an initiative to distribute recycled gear is quickly gaining momentum and support. Replay, was started by The McLean family in their Palmerston North garage.

Replay collects new and used sports gear, gathering items via collection bins around the region. Collection bins are located in Palmerston North, Feilding,Dannevirke and Pahiatua. The donated goods are distributed into the community to local kids, who are unable to access their own.

Palmerston North City Council’s Libraries & Community Services are supporting the initiative and will have collection bins at the Central Library, Community Libraries and Youth Space until February. People are encouraged to donate new or pre-loved sports gear.

Mayor Grant Smith is supporting the initiative and attending the morning tea launch of the public collection bins on Dec 1(Friday) at the Central Library from 11 – 11:30am.

“This is an awesome cause for our community,” says Pascal Francois, Community Groups Advisor. “We work with many families and community organisations, and know there are many children who will greatly benefit. This is a real opportunity for us to connect, collaborate and bring a little joy to children’s lives.”

Replay is engaging in conversation with the Red Cross to provide sport gear bundles to former refugee families.

Items are checked over, allocated a number and then bundled into a drawstring bag along with a little note. The bags are then distributed through several channels to reach those in need.

To date, the initiative has received over 500 pieces of sports equipment and have partnered up with several organisations including Sport Manawatu, Massey University Recreation Centre, Manawatu District Libraries, Manawatu District Council, and local business Pita Pit.

Replay has also engaged with Westpac branches in Palmerston North, Feilding, Dannevirke and Pahiatua and Four Square Hokowhitu.

Manawatu Rugby, Netball Manawatu, Tennis Manawatu and Central Football have sourced gear no longer in use, and have between them, donated hundreds of balls and gear.

More on Replay recycled sports gear can be found here: https://replay.org.nz/

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