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Kowanyama kids to benefit from Boots for the Bush by NRL 5 August 2013
T
he rugby league-loving youngsters in the remote community of Kowanyama on Cape York Peninsula were the first beneficiaries of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ Boots for the Bush campaign. Three large boxes full of boots donated to the Boots for the Bush collection bin at Sportscene Super Warehouse in Townsville headed 990km north to be worn by the region’s young footballers. “Many kids in Kowanyama don’t own any shoes, let alone football boots,” Kowanyama Police Constable Lisa Hudson said. “These Boots for the Bush boots are going to be cherished by their new owners and very well utilised. “They’ll certainly encourage increased participation in sport for this community which can only produce positive results.” Anyone who donates a pair of boots for the Boots for the Bush campaign receives a $20 discount voucher that can be used for their next purchase at Sportscene. There are Boots for the Bush collection wheelie bins at the Sportscene Super Warehouse stores in Rockhampton and Townsville. Cowboys game development manager Ryan Mahoney, who transported the boots on the first leg of their journey, said it was great to see Boots for the Bush had been quickly embraced by the local football community. “These boots are going to help
Ryan Mahoney with some Boots for the Bush. Image supplied
those kids who don’t have easy access to sports stores and the right footwear to play footy,” he said. “It’s really pleasing to see so many pairs have already been donated both in Townsville and Rockhampton. “We can’t wait to see them being worn by the kids at Kowanyama when we’re there on our next Cape York tour.” The boots had a workout when the Kowanyama community enjoyed a fund-raising touch football competition on 27-28 July, with Cowboys merchandise, stickers and posters as prizes and
incentives. The funds will be used to purchase and install four air-conditioning units in the community church. Almost $3500 of the $6000 cost has already been raised through blue light discos, the Kowanyama show and the auction of secondhand donated furniture. To donate to Boots for the Bush, drop into the Townsville Sportscene Super Warehouse in Woolcock Street at Currajong or the Rockhampton store on Yaamba Road, North Rockhampton.
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