The Indigenous-led non-profit Hope and Health, which supports Indigenous children and youth who face barriers to sports programs, is partnering with the City of Burnaby to collect donations of new and lightly used soccer boots.
According to Hope and Health, many Indigenous youth can experience obstacles to participating in sports, such as racism and economic barriers.
The non-profit cites academic research finding that participation in sports leads to a variety of benefits for children, including better youth mental health, more opportunities to gain social skills and build positive relationships.
Sports participation also reduces the risk of depression and addictive behaviours.
The City of Burnaby is collecting the cleats for Hope and Health's Boot it Forward program, and has also encouraged residents to make a financial contribution to the Boot it Forward program.
The non-profit said it has distributed more than 750 cleats this year.
For those interested, cleats can be donated in a collection box at the following city facilities until Oct. 10:
- Christine Sinclair Community Centre (3713 Kensington Ave.)
- Cameron Community Centre (9523 Cameron St.)
- Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool & Fitness Centre (240 Willingdon Ave.)
- Bonsor Recreation Complex (6550 Bonsor Ave.)
- Edmonds Community Centre (7433 Edmonds St.)
- Burnaby Lake Sports Complex West Field House (3677 Kensington Ave.)
- Burnaby City Hall (4949 Canada Way)
Thank you for your amazing partnership to refresh our cleat supply to keep our amazing Indigenous youth athletes going & growing! Over 750 cleats distributed already in 2022 across communities & programs. We greatly appreciate the support #bootitforward #everychildmatters 🧡✨ https://t.co/7RgFwQN3c7
— HopeandHealth (@HopeandHealth4l) September 15, 2022
