The Cats players and staff have spent the last 12 days spreading Christmas cheer to groups, organisations and charities around the Geelong region.
From surprising young children in Foster Care at the Barwon Child Youth and Family Christmas party to clothing drives and the donation of Football tickets, over 1000 individuals benefited from the initiative.
12 Days of Community Initiatives
1 December – The Bethany Christmas tree was launched at GMHBA Stadium with many organisations receiving the donated gifts just in time for Christmas. The Bethany Giving Tree was launched in proud partnership with the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust
2 December – Jamaine Jones attended the Barwon Child Youth and Family Foster Care Christmas Party. Jamaine is an active ambassador for the BCYF Foster Care Campaign
3 December – Lara Lake Primary School were surprised with special Healthy Heroes drink bottles as a prize for being so engaged in our Healthy Heroes Schools program
4 December – Christ the King Primary School were invited to GHMBA Stadium for a tour, special Healthy Heroes interactive food prep session and a clinic with some of our players. This incredible school completed all their Healthy Heroes challenges as a school
5 December – Barwon Health ambassador, Scott Selwood and Rhys Stanley took to the Children’s Ward at the Barwon Health University Hospital to hand out Cats themed goodies to those who might not make it home for Christmas
6 December – Our staff took part of a morning of fun assisting people with disability in participating in a range of physical activities
7 December – Our Just Think program and campaign was awarded the Vic Health Award in the Preventing Harm from Alcohol category. Our staff took part in an engagement session of both the Just Think and Cyber Cats programs to continue sharing the respective messages throughout our community
8 December – We invited Gateways Support Services down to GHMBA Stadium to hold their annual Christmas Gift Wrapping at our Christmas with the Cats event. A gold coin donation goes towards ensuring Gateways Clients continue to get the services they need
9 December – Our amazing membership team donated over 100 blankets for us to take to the Salvation Army. Christmas is the busiest time for the Salvation Army and they will be appreciated by many families
10 December – Cats and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust staff donated much needed items to Geelong Mums. These items will see many be able to enjoy fresh sheets, clean socks and be able to kick around some footies over the festive season
11 December – Headspace Geelong Mental Health workers were treated to tickets to a 2019 Cats game, a surprise during their planning day held at our very own Deakin Cats Community Centre
12 December – Cottage by the Sea hosted a beautiful afternoon for children who have been brought up by their grandparents, AFLW players Hannah Burchell and Georgie Rankin were on hand to give our show bags and enjoy an afternoon of activities
