Titans visit John Hunter Children’s Hospital as National Volunteer Week kicks off

Less than 24 hours after the Gold Coast Titans leave the field against the Newcastle Knights they will surprise the kids in John Hunter Children’s Hospital with an impromptu visit.

The Titans visit coincides with the start of National Volunteer Week, the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia. Events during this week provide the opportunity to recognise the valuable role volunteers play in our communities and offer the chance to say “thank you”.

On Monday 10 May at 11:30am the Titans will freely offer up their time to bring a smile to the faces of children and their parents who may be going through a difficult time.

Director of John Hunter Children’s Hospital Pat Marks believes the Titans’ visit highlights the importance and difference volunteers make.

“It’s not often we receive visits from high profile interstate NRL teams, the fact that the Titans have chosen to visit sick kids in their own free time demonstrates their dedication knows no boundaries,” Mrs Marks said.

“The result of their game against the Knights will be of no consequence to the kids’ in hospital, they’ll all leave John Hunter Children’s Hospital on Monday as winners.”

In addition to the Titans’ visit and to celebrate National Volunteer Week, the John Hunter Children’s Hospital has organised a number of events for their volunteers to say thank you for their contribution.

Along with the Titans on Monday, four Delta Dogs and their volunteer handlers will be on display at 10am in the Royal Newcastle Centre to show off their skills. Six volunteers regularly visit the hospital with their pets as therapy companions.

On Tuesday the Book Nook (Children’s Hospital Library) will host a morning tea for staff to meet and thank our Volunteer Librarians for all their time and effort. On Thursday, twenty lucky volunteers will be treated to a movie at Glendale on behalf of Greater Union.

For the Titans though, it is anticipated a full squad of players will visit the Children’s Hospital including Scott Prince, Preston Campbell, Luke Bailey and local product Greg Bird.

In addition to the visit the Titans will donate a 2010 signed jersey to the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.

Media Opportunity:
When: Monday 10 May, 2010 at 11:30am
Where: John Hunter Children’s Hospital
What: Gold Coast Titans visit John Hunter Children’s Hospital

Media inquiries:
Lucas Coleman - 02 4921 3844,  0407 895101  (ref HNE-2250)