News

Gloucestershire kit donations arrive in Barbados

1 February 2022

Unwanted and unused cricket kit donated by Gloucestershire’s kind-hearted community has been handed over to people in need in Barbados following the Club’s inaugural Kit Drop and Swap.

Hundreds of items of clothes, sportswear and equipment recently arrived in the West Indies and will be distributed to local people who may not be in a position to buy basics like new clothes or kit for themselves. The kit drop was only made possible thanks to the generosity of our senior playing squad, local residents, cricket clubs and our talent pathway teams, who donated good quality second-hand items for others less fortunate than themselves.

In total 11 kit bags full of children’s cricket clothes and cricket equipment were sent to Barbados via Bat For a Chance, an international charity whose goal is to give underprivileged children a chance to experience the joy of cricket.

Will Gaffney, Founder at Bat For a Chance, said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the support and kit that Gloucestershire has donated to Bat For a Chance. It is the generosity of counties and fantastic initiatives like the kit swap day that simply make our work possible.”

December’s Kit Drop and Swap at the Bristol County Ground, which collected several hundred items over three days, also led to donations being sent to the MCC Afghan Project as well as AidBox, a Bristol-based charity who provide support for refugees and people seeking asylum. Two large boxes of warm clothing, coats, tracksuits and jumpers were also donated to Homeless Health Service, who provide help and act as a support network to the homeless population of Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Additional supplies will be sent to support people in need in Nepal later this month.

Before the donations were sent abroad and to worthy local charities, Gloucestershire’s boys Talent Pathway teams were given the chance to pick up quality used kit for free, and were able to choose from kit bags, cricket bats, gloves and clothing. The youngsters who picked up kit have been able to use it in this year’s 12-week Winter Training Programme, which started in January.

Jess Jones, Community Programmes Officer at Gloucestershire Cricket, said: “It’s so great to see the success of our Kit Drop and Swap. The generous donations from the Club’s Members and supporters have been greatly received and are being put to good use, not only in the UK but also further afield. We hope to be able to continue to support those in need, both in Bristol, the county of Gloucestershire and around the world.”

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