AUSTRALIAN RUGBY FANS BEING URGED TO DONATE RUGBY GEAR FOR KIDS IN FIJI

Sep 27 • General News, International • 2278 Views • Comments Off on AUSTRALIAN RUGBY FANS BEING URGED TO DONATE RUGBY GEAR FOR KIDS IN FIJI

Australians rugby fans are being encouraged to donate their old rugby boots, balls and playing kits to give hundreds of children living in Fiji another reason to smile.

The National Rugby Championship (NRC) has kick-started a drive which urges locals to drop off their pre-loved Rugby gear at various NRC matches across the country over the next two weekends.

The goods will then be given to The Fiji Project who will visit hundreds of locals across Fiji who are in desperate need of new sporting equipment and clothing.

Co-founder of The Fiji Project Katrina Oxenham said ‘’Most Fijian children play rugby barefoot and have never owned a pair of boots or any other rugby kit, but their simple love for rugby is second to none so this will mean the world to them.”

The campaign also ties into the Pasifika Round on October 7 and 8 which celebrates the influence of the Pacific Islander community on rugby in Australia.

The Road Safety Perth Spirit visited Fiji last week, donating kit, rugby balls and boots to hundreds of children in the Naqali District.

Fijian-born backrower Isi Naisarani said the passion for rugby in his home country is second to none and pair of boots, a ball or some kit would mean the world to a young Fijian boy or girl.

“It means a lot to every kid back in Fiji,” he said. “I remember when I was growing up in Fiji we didn’t have rugby boots to wear because it was expensive so it will be pretty special for the children back home to get some boots.”

“The Spirit boys saw last week how much a pair of boots, a ball or a jersey means to the kids in Fiji so if people could donate to the Fiji Project it would be amazing and much appreciated by the kids back home.”

So now’s the time for locals to dust off their old boots and get behind their home team with collection boxes located at NRC matches in Canberra, Sydney, Perth, the Gold Coast and Goulburn, NSW. Spirit fans can donate to the Fiji Project at the team’s clash with Brisbane City at McGillivray Oval on Sunday, 1 October.