The Sharks NRL squad was out and about around Sydney today, playing 'Santa' and spreading some Christmas cheer in what has become a growing annual event as the Club supports Hospitals and local community organisations.
The players broke up into groups and dropped into the Sylvanvale Mikarie School, Sydney Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House at Randwick, Civic Disability Services and the Sutherland Hospital, handing out toys and trying to lift the spirits of the children at the various organisations.
With toys donated to Sharks Have Heart through the recent Toy Drive, with special thanks to Jannali East and Cronulla Sharks Ladies golf for their outstanding support in donating a large number of the toys, a Pop Car van and vehicle (as generously donated by Sharks partners Pop Car) was loaded up before heading out for the special Christmas blitz.
Senior squad members Matt Prior and Kurt Capewell were a couple of those who toured the wards with their Santa sack at Sutherland Hospital.
Six kids were visited at Sutherland, along with one new mum who recently gave birth to a baby a couple of days ago.
Aaron Gray and Scott Sorensen led a delegation of some of the younger players who attended the Sydney Children's Hospital and at Ronald McDonald House at Randwick.
Passionate Sharks fan Ryder Gerkins, one of 40 patients at the Children's Hospital, was thrilled to see the boys again as he is nearing the end of his treatment. He was the youngster who Andrew Fifita donated his Man of the Match cheque from the Sharks v Panthers semi-final.
At Ronald McDonald House the kids took the players on a tour of the house facilities and engaged with them in the playground.
While at the Sylvanvale – Mikarie Childcare Centre, skipper Paul Gallen entertained and met the kids, alongside Matt Moylan, Jack Williams and others.
The Sharks boys played in the sand pit, passed the footy and were lucky enough to accept some 'paper sharks' created by the kids as a thank you gift. This centre is a mix of kids of 'all abilities'
And at the Civic Disability Services Christmas event held away from their factory and at a hall in Sutherland, newcomer Josh Morris led the Sharks delegation.
Would also like to thank Capital Bluestone for their continued support of Sharks Have Heart and Pop Car for acting as 'Reindeer' on the day and helping to transport the toys and some of the players.
The Sharks players presented 2019 memberships that were donated to Shark Have Heart by members.
Anyone is interested in donating to support initiatives, including hospital and community visits, visit www.sharkshaveheart.com.au
