ICC EAP Region launches equipment drive

Boxing Day 2009 does not just represent the start of a challenging Test match between Australia and Pakistan at the world famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, but also the collection of cricket equipment donations by the Pepsi International Cricket Council (ICC) East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Development Programme.

The ICC EAP works with ICC Associate and Affiliate members from the East Asia-Pacific region, helping to develop the game of cricket across the region. Members include PNG, Fiji, Japan, Vanuatu, Indonesia, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Philippines and South Korea.

The ICC EAP Boxing Day Equipment Drive has been established to collect donations of cricket equipment that can be distributed to members in the region. The initiative provides access to equipment necessary to play within our member countries, and assists in developing the game in regional and urban centres.

Ideal donations include:

* Quality bats and balls
* General cricket equipment (in good condition)

Supported by the Melbourne Cricket Club and Cricket 4 Kids, donations will be directed to our member associations in Indonesia and Samoa; countries that have both borne the brunt of significant natural disasters in the latter part of the year.

To donate to the drive please come down to our location between Gate 1 and 2 at the MCG on either 26, 27 or 28 December 2009 between 9:00am-12:30pm.

If you would like to donate but cannot make it to the MCG, please contact Luke Serong at luke@cricket4kids.org and a pick-up will be organised at a time convenient to you.

The ICC EAP is also working to establish a relationship with a freight or shipping company to deliver all donations as quickly and efficiently as possible to the East Asia-Pacific region. If you can assist in this area please contact Nick Frayne from the ICC EAP office at nick.frayne@cricket.com.au.