The NZ Team Donation Drive

The New Zealand Olympic Committee is calling on team members past and present, as well as members of the public, to contribute to a donation drive this Christmas. Team members are being asked to donate their old uniforms, with the team kit to be collected and distributed to Kiwi families in need.

In support of this donation drive we’re also encouraging the public to donate new sports equipment. All donated goods are then assembled into boxes, gift wrapped and delivered to families in need and to their children who may otherwise not receive Christmas presents. Sports equipment can be donated by being dropped at any PlaceMakers branch across the country between Monday 20 November and Friday 1 December 2023.

All collected gear will be managed by The Catalytic Foundation, an organisation dedicated to driving social change through collective resources. These efforts form part of their wider annual Christmas Shoebox Project which encourages the general public to donate gifts for families living in hardship across Aotearoa New Zealand.

In the midst of a growing cost-of-living crisis, the importance of the donation drive is clear. Families are struggling to afford essential clothing, and charities are struggling to provide them. The number of families turning to charities for assistance is increasing, as 98% of charities have witnessed a surge in demand for their services during this time. The harsh reality is that 91% of charities in New Zealand face resource shortages though, with warm clothing being a commonly stated need. With this initiative, we aim to help bridge this gap, and support the Catalytic Foundation in reaching those who need it most.

Click here to learn more about the Christmas Shoebox Project and how you can help.