Gear is already coming in for Play It Forward, an initiative run by fourth year VIU nursing students. (Play It Forward Nanaimo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

gear collection

Nanaimo nursing students knocking down barriers to youth sport participation

Oct 27, 2025 | 4:26 PM

NANAIMO — A group of VIU nursing students have a prescription for disadvantaged youth hoping to be involved in organized sport.

Play It Forward is an initiative run by six fourth-year nursing students at Nanaimo’s Vancouver Island University, involving the collection and handing out of new or gently used sporting equipment to local children.

Hannah van Spaendonk told NanaimoNewsNOW they were inspired by a similar 2021 initiative called ‘Shed your Threads’.

“Our main goal is to collect and redistribute this kind of sports equipment, so that we kind of reduce financial barriers and promote healthy lifestyle and strengthen community connections. We’re trying to support youth and families that may not have the means or access to join recreation or sports because of the high cost of equipment.”

Their main collection day is Wednesday, Oct. 29, at VIU’s parking lot off Wakesiah Ave., near the Trades Discovery Centre, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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Both youth and adult equipment is being collected.

Items will be sorted and stored before being handed out at a public event on Nov. 27.

van Spaendonk said they’re hoping to bring in a wide array of equipment.

“Even skis, bikes…that people might not think of. If they have shoes, skates, cleats, jerseys, those kind of things that are sports related.”

Those unable to make a donation on the day, or those wanting to make a monetary donation instead, can contact the group via their Facebook or Instagram accounts.

Equipment will be offered back to the community with the request of a donation to KidSport.

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