95 pairs and counting for Nina’s shoe drive

On the trip Nina was provided an insight to how others live, operate and play netball, what they have and don't have, including appropriate netball attire.

With an awareness of a person far beyond her years, Nina came home still thinking of her Fijian counterparts and their lot in life.

While talented and gifted netballers, her Fijian opponents simply didn’t have the same, or even similar gear, to what all the Wanderers Australia girls had.

Before departing for her trip, Nina already had some Deni Rovers gear she was going to share with locals, putting the Rovers brand out there and helping out with some much-needed netball attire.

But she realised they need much more.

On her return before Christmas, Nina put into action a shoe drive, trying her best to make some change in the lives of other young people.

“During my time there, I noticed that many Fijian netball players didn’t have proper footwear. Some were playing in slides or even barefoot.

“I’m reaching out to ask for your help. Please consider donating your old netball shoes or runners, which will be sent to the Fijian Fruit Bowl Netball Association to support those in need.

“Your generosity will make a huge difference to the players who currently don’t have access to the equipment they need to perform their best.”

With the help and support of the Rovers, Nina has created a drop off point at the clubrooms at Memorial Park.

On the first night, Monday, she collected an astonishing 95 pairs of shoes for the young netballers in Fiji.

Nina’s mum Alex said the level of support was unexpected.

“We have been overwhelmed with the response. On the Monday we received 95 shoes in the few hours we were at Rovers clubrooms.

“We had a few people contact us that are sending to us, and I have to pick up some from Echuca, so after we get them all we will send to the Salad bowl Netball club in Fiji.”

In addition to shoes, Alex said people donated brand new socks and drink bottles.