Through its community arm Sharks Have Heart, the Sharks help, inspire, engage, educate and advance equality by supporting a variety of community programs. See the August newsletter which details the recent efforts of Sharks Have Heart and the initiatives and organisations it supports
WOOLOOWARE BAY AND SHARKS PLEDGE SUPPORT TO SSFS
One of the Shire’s newest communities has teamed with Cronulla Sharks community outreach arm, Sharks Have Heart, committing to a $200,000 donation over four years with Sutherland Shire Family Services.
The substantial support will ensure the ongoing sustainability of two key projects the Community Service offers to help young people and families in the Shire that are impacted by domestic violence.
Through the donation, Woolooware Bay Town Centre, developed jointly by Aoyuan International and Capital Bluestone, continues its three-year association with SSFS, which it says is key to supporting the community as the area grows.
The additional commitment from Woolooware Bay Town Centre and the Sharks via the Sharks Have Heart program, will ensure the multi-pronged BRIC program can operate at least until 2022, giving Sutherland Shire Family Services the peace of mind that they can focus on families and young children impacted by domestic violence.
The BRIC Project is a child focused, early intervention program working within a trauma and attachment framework and grounded in the neurobiology of complex trauma. The program works from the knowledge that young brains can heal from early trauma.
DUGAN A 2019 KEN STEPHEN MEDAL NOMINEE
Josh Dugan has been nominated for the 2019 Ken Stephen Medal, recognising the outstanding work of NRL players in the community.
A worthy nominee, Dugan has been actively involved in the community, devoting his time and resources to several worthy causes. As an ambassador for the Make Bullying History Foundation, he regularly appears in local schools to spread the anti-bullying message. A staunch supporter of Bear Cottage, a hospice for terminally ill children Dugan shaved his ‘mullet’earlier this year to raise funds for the organisation, which provides much-needed services to the children and their families.
Not stopping there, as an NRL State of Mind ambassador Dugan took the initiative to invite 15 local students with special needs to a Sharks training session to celebrate National Autism Day. He also serves as a lead advocate for Deadly Choices, Sharks Have Heart’s Indigenous health awareness program.
SIGN UP FOR MEGA JAWS THIS SEPTEMBER
Following the success of this year’s Mega Jaws clinics, registration has now opened for another clinic to be held at PoinstBet stadium on Tuesday, September 10 from 3.45pm-4.45pm.
Mega Jaws is a free clinic featuring fun activities for children with disabilities. This years clinics have seen the biggest turnouts yet, with more kids than ever getting to experience the thrill of rugby league at Shark Park.
It will be an exciting afternoon where the kids will be able to meet and engage with their favourite Sharks players, however meeting Reefy seems to always be the top priority.
Sharks have Heart Inclusivity Coordinator Jason Stanton designs and runs the session, ensuring all activities are fun and educational.
Mega Jaws and many other Sharks Have Heart community initiatives would not be possible without the support of Capital Bluestone.
GIG BUDDIES CATCH A SHARKS GAME
Sharks Have Heart was proud to partner with Gig Buddies as the community game day charity partner for the Sharks Round 23 win over the Warriors. Over fifty Gig Buddies attended the game and chose a great day to do so – getting to see the Sharks beat the Warriors 42-16 and enjoy the atmosphere of the ecstatic crowd.
Gig Buddies is a disability service that pairs adults with learning disabilities with a buddy, who then support them in leading a full and active social life, such as seeing bands, attending sports events and staying out late having fun. Gig Buddies is committed to removing barriers for adults with learning disabilities to live the lifestyle of their choice, and buddies are matched to participants based on mutual interests to ensure a great time is had by all.
Earlier, a group of 10 Gig Buddies dropped in to a Sharks training session to watch the team train and chat with the players, leaving with a bunch of selfies and autographs.
Sharks Have Heart were able to raise $1600 for Gig Buddies through the game day 50-50 charity raffle, funds that will go toward ensuring more of our community can live the lives they want.
TOWNSEND HELPS ENGADINE HIGH CELEBRATE 50 YEARS
With Engadine High School celebrating 50 years since they opened their doors to local students, Shire local Chad Townsend helped kick off the celebrations on August 16th.
The first of many anniversary events was a fun, carnival day for the students to celebrate their school. Sharks Have Heart staff supported the event by bringing down the always popular Shark Cage ball passing activation.
If they weren’t already excited enough to get the day off school, the Engadine High students got to enjoy their very own private carnival, including popular rides, dodgem cars and a live DJ. Apart from getting to meet Chad, we’re sure the students enjoyed the teacher dunk tank the most.
Speaking to The Leader, Deputy Principal Nathan Redmayne said "This was a student only closed event, it's our gift to the kids. Five hours of play - it was a fantastic spectacle.”
Sharks Have Heart are proud to support local Shire schools and congratulate Engadine High School on 50 years of producing great members of our community and Sharks fans.
