Bourkey completes historic bootride

A GEELONG resident has just wrapped up a monumental ride through Australia, delivering more than 200 pairs of new football boots to those in need.

Paul Bourke officially completed his second annual Bourkey’s Bootride last week, venturing thousands of kilometres across the country in nine days.

His mission aimed to deliver kindness and connection to rural communities who deserve the same opportunities as any.

Bourke visited keen football players in Pimba, Marla, Borroloola, Katherine, Alice Springs, Barrow Creek, Daly Water, Tenant Creek and Kalkarindji.

Whether it was a child in the outback or a young adult trying to stay on track, his ride delivered a strong message on sharing the love.

“I wanted to give them something they may never get, and that’s brand-new boots. It’s something special. They open the box smell the leather and are so proud.

“It’s about giving a hand to people having a crack. There’s nothing like seeing the smile when someone laces up their very own new boots for the first time. That’s why I ride.”

He said the ride itself far exceeded expectations.

“We ended up donating about 200 pairs of boots, plus footy’s and training equipment!

“We’ve learnt it’s bigger than just footy. A lot of them want to play footy and go into the carnivals but can’t do so unless they’re at school. It’s getting them back to school and off the streets. It’s also giving them jobs. They’ll employ people if they play footy.

“It’s bringing the communities together. They are united. We witnessed it all first hand. It was just overwhelming.”

Bourkey’s Bootride was able to raise more than $20,000 for the cause.

Every dollar goes straight into new footy boots and sporting gear for children and young adults in the outback.

“It’s just grassroots, people just chip in. There’s no corporate entity behind it, people just putting their hand in their pocket on the road or donating to the GoFundMe,” he added.

Supporters can still donate and follow the journey at the GoFundMe page – Bourkey’s Bootride.