We have started a new campaign!
The HummingBirds are shouting from the top of a barrel “please donate to us any sport or educational equipment, supplies or clothing you can spare!”
A barrel of boots
Project Name: BoB (A Barrel of Boots)
We have had issues in the past when sending donations across the Atlantic, so we contacted a handful of different shipping companies to share our plans and to start something new. We had a few positive responses and chose to start this campaign in partnership with Wings International. Wings International is a Bristol based, UK registered shipping and storage company, who have been shipping primarily to the Caribbean for well over a decade. They are very supportive and keen to help in every and any way they can.
Every BoB needs to take 5 steps
1. Select
We are starting with the community of Cornwall, St James. What really touched us about this particular community is who they want to help, how they want to help them, and what they have done so far. We are really inspired by their want to have people of all ages being active, socialising regularly, in better health and with a better level of education. It was great to see and hear about how many people and nearby communities they connect to, and the ambition they have to help.
2. Collect
We need your help. Pre-season isn’t far away. That might mean a new kit for your team, new balls for your club, new boots for you, or you might be ‘hanging your boots up’ completely. A lot of changes tend to happen at the end of the season, and we are asking for you to donate all that you can to support us on this mission. Before September 2025, we want to fill at least one BoB - Barrel of Boots.
It is essential that whatever you donate is in good condition, safe to use, full working order and fit to last.
3. Ship
When we have at least one barrel full of donations, we will then look to Wings International to step in and begin their role in this journey. Wings International will collect and ship the barrel(s) to Montego Bay, Jamaica.
There is room on a pallet for 4 barrels, we are desperate to send at least two BoB’s at a time.
4. Clear
Once the BoB’s arrive at the port, they will then need to clear customs. History has shown us that this can be a very difficult and drawn-out part of the process. Fortunately, we have Wings International on our side for this campaign. They have worked with the Jamaican Embassy and Jamaican Education Board, and are very experienced in dealing with customs and ports in Jamaica. This should help us to get things cleared more efficiently than in the past.
5. Deliver
When the BoB’s have been cleared, we will work with Wings International on the island to deliver the BoB’s to the community, at a time when most can benefit from what we are giving. As we know from previous experiences, this is often the most rewarding part of what we do.
Wherever you are in the UK, we would like your help and any donations you can give. A successful fundraiser at AFC Whyteleafe in 2024 generated enough money to buy the barrels and to pay for the postage of some of the larger donations. So, if you are part of a team who no longer need last season’s kit, please donate it to us and we’ll help with delivery!
I believe we can fill a BoB, but we really need your help to do so. Please do what you can, give to BoB what you can, and pass this message on to anyone who you think might be able to help us achieve this mission.
It is vital that whatever you donate is in good condition, safe to use, full working order and fit to last.
Thank you
Let’s all play!