Over the course of the year, Hawks players including Brendan Whitecross, Liam Shiels, Ben Stratton, Grant Birchall, Isaac Smith, Ben McEvoy, Zac Webster, James Sicily and Dallas Willsmore have met some amazing kids during their visits to the Starlight Express Rooms at the Monash and Royal Children’s Hospitals.
On one visit, Whitecross, Hartung and Smith met a young Hawks fan named Tyler who was so excited to meet his heroes that he prepared for the visit by wearing his Hawks pyjamas and decorating his hospital bed in his Hawks gear.
Hartung also visited the Room with Liam Shiels, Ben Stratton and Dallas Willsmore at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Parkville, where they spent time challenging the kids to games on Xbox and Wii.
Shiels, who has emerged as one of the Hawks most important midfielders this year said the experience of visiting kids and trying to make a difference was priceless.
“It was a very rewarding experience," he told hawthornfc.com.au
"To put a smile on the kids face and see them enjoy spending time in the Express Room with a few of the boys was very fulfilling.
“We got to play a heap of games with the kids, my personal favourite was the super-sized Jenga! The other boys took on some of the kids in their favourite Xbox and Wii games as well.
“Having a room like this within a hospital is extremely important. Kids and their families can relax, have fun and play some games with Captain Starlight to brighten up their day.”
Every year, Hawthorn’s emerging leaders and first-year players visit Starlight Express Rooms located at the Monash and Royal Children’s Hospitals during their days off. Starlight Express Rooms are a great medical-free escape for children who are staying in hospital giving them the opportunity to just be kids again and have fun.
To find out more about Starlight’s fantastic programs, or to donate to this worthy cause visit Starlight’s website.
