Your old sporting gear might be a new start for someone who needs it most and Reclink’s Sportshare Christmas Drive might be the perfect opportunity to make that difference.
People across the western suburbs are encouraged to donate their old bats, balls and whatever they might not use for those in need.
The major collection day will happen at the Reclink Sportshare Warehouse at 2-9 Gerves Drive, Werribee between 10-3pm on Saturday 29 November.
Peter Cullen, who founded the not-for-profit organisation that delivers sport, recreation, and arts programs to disadvantaged communities across Australia, said the Christmas drive goes beyond sport.
“A single ball can create movement, joy, excitement and connection,” he said.
“Something small in one household can be life-changing in another.”
Mr Cullen said he has also visited clubs where perfectly good balls have been slashed, cut up or thrown into skip bins — items that could have supported participation, play and wellbeing but instead ended up discarded.
“It’s heartbreaking to see potential joy go straight to landfill,” he said.
This year’s Sports Share Christmas Drive comes as Australia sees a shift in how young people engage with physical activity, he added.
Mr Cullen said research shows that young people aged 12–16 are reducing their social media time and rediscovering informal, everyday play that only requires single pieces of sporting gear.
“If you can donate something new this Christmas, that is wonderful. If you can donate something pre-loved but still in good condition, that is equally powerful. And if you can’t make the drop-off day, we encourage you to contact us so we can arrange another time,“ he said.
