By Charlene Macaulay
Have any unused sporting equipment sitting in the garage or taking up space in a spare room?
Reclink Australia is calling on Wyndham locals to donate good quality sporting gear to its Sports Equipment Outreach program, which is then redistributed to people and families in need.
The organisation has been running the program for the past two years and has re-purposed thousands of pieces of sporting equipment, including basketballs, tennis racquets, cricket equipment, golf clubs, footy boots, bikes and even gym equipment.
Reclink Australia founder Peter Cullen said playing sport had the power to transform lives in a positive manner.
“We understand that even the simplest of toys, such as a ball, can be out of reach to most disadvantaged families,” Mr Cullen said.
“What stands out for me, on a recent occasion delivering some of this equipment to a single parent was hearing the screams of sheer joy from her children as they played with their new belonging – a soccer ball.
“When you are born into generational disadvantage, these acts become more than simple works of charity.
“You’re giving that person an opportunity to participate in something they’ve never been able to previously, and doing that can change and save lives.”
Mr Cullen called on people who had sporting equipment that they hadn’t used in the past two years to consider donating.
People can donate their sporting gear on December 15 from noon-5pm at 35 Gerves Street, Werribee. They can also arrange to drop off sporting goods at another time by calling Peter on 0421 442 340.
