Boots for the Bay!

Canterbury Rugby and principal partner Ray White have again teamed up to support the game, this time in flood ravaged Hawke’s Bay.

Boots for the Bay has today launched at Ray White offices across Christchurch, where anyone with pre-loved rugby boots and or sports shoes are encouraged to donate, which will then be gifted to the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union to distribute to those that need them throughout their club system.

“We know how much of a positive rugby plays in the community,” said Ray White’s Claire Morris “and those people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle will need that connection and positivity as they navigate their way through the disaster.”

“Utilising our network of offices across the region as a drop off point and Canterbury Rugby’s network of clubs and players, both past and present seemed like a great opportunity to do something good for the people of Hawke’s Bay.”

Canterbury Rugby CEO Tony Smail agreed, reflecting on the Unions own struggles following a disaster. “Clubrooms can be some of the best places to take some time out, share experiences and find common ground, so equipping people to get back playing rugby as quickly as possible is a great cause that we can easily get behind. When we saw some of the devastating effects on clubs around the Hawke’s Bay district it quickly brought back memories of Canterbury Earthquakes.”

“People get together and work things out, but it’ll come with its challenges to work through too, so for Canterbury Rugby and Ray White to be able to connect and provide a possible solution to some of their challenges, then that’s a great outcome.”

Black tubs have been assembled from now until the end of April at Ray White offices around the Canterbury Region, where people are encouraged to drop off their preloved sporting equipment, that will then be delivered to Hawke’s Bay.