Special events, school visits and the ever important member phone calls were just some of the recent initiatives which saw the Sharks continue efforts to interact with their fan base and with the local community.
The Sharks attended schools and Vacation Care facilities during the month of May, with young NRL and NSW Cup squad members Scott Sorenson, Michael Lichaa and Michael Morris appearing at Heathcote High School’s Cancer Research Tea Party.
On the other side of the Shire Sam Tagataese and Daniel Holdsworth were the star attractions at ‘Sharks for Kurnell Kids’, the first of a three session pilot program being held at Kurnell Primary School.
‘Sharks for Kurnell Kids’ is a mentoring program for a group of 10 students in years 4,5 and 6 who are deemed ‘at risk’. The mentoring program is designed to educate the kids on the role they play at school, playground etiquette and inclusiveness, while including other fun footy-related activities such as the NRL’s Rugby league Reads initiative.
In supporting another schools-based programs NSW Cup player and local Sharks junior Michael Morris attended the National Simultaneous Reading Day at Sutherland Library. Morris read to a group of 30 students from Sutherland Primary School and also spoke about the benefits of books. .
Other special programs and events attended by the Sharks during May included Michael Gordon and Todd Carney having a presence at the Gold Soiree Sydney Children’s hospital fundraiser at the Mercedes Centre, Miranda, while Gordon, Carney, Beau Ryan, Wade Graham and Luke Lewis were special guests at the Sharks Women in League Luncheon which raised funds for the McGrath Foundation.
With Jesinta Campbell the master of ceremonies, the Sharks players helped to entertain a full house at the Women’s Luncheon at what is proving to be amongst the most popular events on the clubs’ social calendar.
Back at the Sharks offices in showing their appreciation to members on behalf of the playing group Nathan Stapleton, Matt Prior and the twins David Fifita and Andrew Fifita picked up the phone and called a number of 2014 members in the lead up to the members round match against Souths, thanking them for their continued support.
As far as sponsor promotions went during May, valued commercial partners Crust Pizza at Cronulla held a VIP night, with Carney and Nathan Gardner stepping into the kitchen to lend a hand whipping up a few pizzas for the guests in attendance.
Also in the month of May the Sharks donated signed footballs, signed Paul Gallen training shirts, game tickets and goodie bags to various causes. The Sharks donation policy is on the website for those charities and organizations interested in finding how to apply for similar assistance.
And in the yearly tally for player appearances, the Sharks have a combined 1169 community hours across the various community events and causes they have supported, with Carney, Graham and Gardner on top of the appearance ‘leaderboard’ so far this season.
