City kids kick in for the bush

KICKS 4 Kidz has worked with indigenous children from remote communities for nine years.

Now it’s time to educate the kids of Perth.

Kicks 4 Kidz collects and donates football equipment to less-fortunate children in the state’s remote North-West, but drives home a message of health and education.

Hearing about the program through a friend, Michelle Davis, a Year 5 teacher at Orana Catholic Primary School in Willetton, contacted Kicks 4 Kidz director and Subiaco premiership player Rod Willet to find out how her class could help.

“Rod came to the school and spoke to the students ... and told the children how most of the kids in remote communities don’t have football boots and find it hard to access sports equipment,” she said.

“The other important messages he discussed with the children was to stay healthy by doing regular exercise, enjoying sport, drinking water and eating healthily to avoid type-2 diabetes.”

Willet’s message was delivered with clarity as the students collected more than 100 pieces of football equipment in just over a week, including 70 Auskick jumpers from Willetton Junior Football Club.

Willet said the kids now had an appreciation of the life facing less fortunate students.

Kicks 4 Kidz is sponsored and supported by The Sunday Times, Grace Removals, Steinepreis Paganin Corporate Lawyers and Consultants, Garnduwa and the WAFC.

To help the appeal, contact rodwillet@westnet.com.au or drop your football equipment off at any of the WAFL clubs.