Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory will soon benefit from hundreds of pairs of basketball shoes donated through a Newcastle Basketball shoe-drive after they were sent to the Top End on Friday.
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The association held a second-hand shoe drive on June 2 and received an “amazing” response, says general manger Neil Goffet.
More than 300 pairs were collected, including donations by opposition teams from Sydney and Illawarra.
As well as shoes, the association has sent singlets, apparel and basketballs.
Newcastle Basketball life playing member Chloe Mullaney was the driving force behind the collection through a friendship with former NBL player Timmy Duggan, who works to enrich the lives of children in remote areas of the Northern Territory through basketball.
“Every little bit helps and hopefully this little bit can provide some better outcomes for the indigenous kids that Timmy encounters in his programs,” Newcastle Basketball general manager Neil Goffet said.
“The response was amazing, especially the support we got from other associations.”
Mr Goffet said the shoe drive showed a great community spirit within both the local and broader basketball community.
“The donation comes on the back of raising a bit over $2000 that same day for the Mark Hughes Foundation,” he said.
“Our annual Charity Night [is] this Saturday (June 16) [too], raising money for the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.”
Newcastle Hunters women play at 5pm on Saturday, while the men’s tip-off is at 7.15pm.
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