Stacks of sporting gear headed to the Philippines

February 16, 2012

Generous sporting organizations around the Comox Valley, Campbell River and Victoria have donated hundreds of items to be sent to impoverished children in the Philippines.

"So far I've collected about 250 soccer balls, 250 soccer uniforms, 60 rugby uniforms, 50 basketballs, 50 basketball uniforms and about 40 to 50 pairs of running shoes and cleats," says project coordinator Jared Hendry.

Hendry is a 21 year old economics student from Comox, currently in his fourth year at the University of Victoria.

"I've always wanted to send sporting equipment to an impovrished country and what got me started on Smokey Mountain was my roommate and his older brothers built a basketball court there so I'm kind of following through on that project."

Smokey Mountain is in the poverty-stricken outskirts of Manila, in the Philippines. In reality it's a huge garbage dump that's home to 10,000 residents.

"There's some pretty shocking conditions that go on there. Children ages four and up have to scavenge for recyclable material, just to get their daily income," explains Hendry. "Sports have always been shown to increase youth performance in school, decrease anxiety and decrease depression... so I'm trying to break the cycle of poverty at Smokey Mountain and produce some college graduates."

Through his contacts with Canadian sports organizations, Hendry has attracted support from the manager of Overseas Container Forwarding who will ship the equipment at cost to Manila or about $1,000.  In addition, the Great Little Box Company has committed to providing enough boxes to pack the gear and Seawings Express will move the entire shipment from Victoria to Vancouver for only $60.

The mass of clothes, shoes and balls was meant to be shipped at the start of March, but has been delayed until mid-March because donations keep pouring in.

"It's been unbelievable," gushed Hendry. "I think people have really connected with the project." 

The Rotary Club of Cumberland has made a $200 donation (pictured) to help cover the shipping costs.

To contribute to Hendry's project, email him at jhendry@uvic.ca.

Photo: Cumberland Rotarian Christine Dickinson presents a $200 cheque to 21 year old Comox local, Jared Hendry.