As the festive season gets into full swing, the Newcastle Jets have been out and about in the Hunter community spreading goodwill and Christmas cheer over the past couple of weeks.
Below is a snapshot of the Newcastle Jets’ community visits in recent weeks:
Jet Well Hospital Visit
On Monday, December 8th, Newcastle Jets players Sam Gallaway, Ben Kantarovski and James Virgili visited John Hunter Children’s Hospital as part of the Club’s Jet Well program run in conjunction with Slater and Gordon Lawyers.
The Jets trio visited patients in the children’s ward, posed for photos and signed autographs, ensuring many sick and injured children were left with smiles on their faces.
The Jet Well program sees Newcastle Jets players undertake visits and activities at the Children’s Hospital to help local children feel well and provide them with the opportunity to meet their football heroes.
Thanks to the support of Slater and Gordon Lawyers, the Newcastle Jets will be able to expand the Club’s previous relationship with John Hunter Children’s Hospital to provide more player interactions, tickets, merchandise and once in a lifetime experiences to the children being treated at the hospital and their families.
Newcastle Toy Run
On Sunday, December 7th, Newcastle Jets players Andrew Hoole and Adrian Madaschi attended the Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run and Salvation Army Family Fun Day.
The Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run, is the longest continuously running annual event of its kind in Australia and the only Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and police approved and escorted ride.
The event commenced in 1979 with around 20 bikes. The event, now in it’s 36th year, sees over 3500 riders of all ages and all types of motorcycles take part, donating and carrying toys from Stockton Foreshore to Newcastle Foreshore.
The Toy Run is totally focussed on providing toys and support for Hunter kids and families during the festive season. For the last 20 years, all proceeds from the day to have gone to The Salvation Army Newcastle, towards their annual Christmas Appeal.
Starlight Room at John Hunter Children’s Hospital visit
On December 2nd, Newcastle Jets players Kew Jaliens and Taylor Regan made a special visit to the Starlight Express Room at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.
As part of the afternoon’s activities, Jacob and Andrew participated in interactive craft activities including painting and making their own T-Shirt designs with the visit wrapping up with a game of Playstation with the children.
The visit was co-ordinated in conjunction with the nib Foundation who support the Livewire program within the Starlight Express Room.
There was smiles all round with the help of the wonderful Starlight team and the Jets signing autographs and taking photos with the children and families.
The Newcastle Jets are proud to partner with the nib Foundation and work together in our community.
International Day of People with a Disability
On Friday, November 28th, Newcastle Jets players Jacob Pepper and Sammy Gallagher represented the Jets at the International Day of People with a Disability Celebration at Speers Point Park.
International Day of People with a Disability is a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to promote an understanding of people with a disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and wellbeing.
Lake Macquarie City Council in partnership with Disability Network Hunter Inc. and Newcastle City Council are hosted the event for over 400 people.
There were information stalls, games, music and hands-on activities such as art and craft. Local schools and disability organisations provided entertainment, and there was a free sausage sizzle lunch prepared by the Warners Bay Lions Club
The Jets appearance at the event gave all attending a wonderful opportunity to meet and greet with local sporting stars, have photographs and sign merchandise.
Medowie Christian School visit
On Wednesday, November 26th, Michael Bridges attended the Medowie Christian School Sports Assembly yesterday. This year their junior primary boys football team were successful in making it through to CSSA, a state competition.
The boys were excited to reach such a high level and played extremely well on the day. The boys were acknowledged for their achievement at the assembly and presented with medals by Michael.
Michael has an affiliation with the school when he attended last year with fellow player Josh Mitchell for Grandparents Day as guests of the Jets members Cooper and Jett Floyer-Kell whose last remaining grandparent had passed.
