Hawks players enjoyed a safari, a range of fun activities with locals and even learnt the art of customer service on day two.
Burnie
The morning began with a light skills and running session for the players. The Hawks then headed up the highway to Smithton, a very small town with a great homely feel. The local council put on a day for kids, whose parents are dependant or involved in drugs and alcohol at a local pool. The pool was decked out in floating obstacle courses, where kids raced from one side to another. Two Hawks players joined in, as Angus Litherland and Luke Lowden both raced each other - Angus winning 3-1. The kids were excited as they loved seeing their idols get involved.
Outside, the council set up a big slip and slide with soap and running water. Isaac Smith took the plunge down the hill, which was well appreciated by onlookers.
A local McDonald's was the next destination, where players interacted and engaged with customers and staff. A signing session was also held, where lucky fans took photos with their favourite players.
A men's health awareness check up took the Hawks to Devonport next. The cancer council brought different groups together to talk about signs and symptoms of different cancers. The players went through an “engine” checklist, ticking off everything from the heart, to the skin and liver. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about men’s health as well as promoting regular health check ups.
The players then headed to a Burnie gym for a strength session before preparing for the Burnie Season Launch at the West Park Function Centre. Guests had the opportunity to interact with the players as it was a cocktail function. Auctions, a band, guest speakers, and a Q&A with Sam Mitchell made for an enjoyable night. Proceeds from the auctions were donated to the Cancer Council.
Overall a long but successful and rewarding day.
Angus Litherland with kids at the Cancer Council Tasmania event.
Cancer Council Tasmania event.
Waterslide at Smithon pool party.Hobart A
Players were entertained by snakes, lions and emus on a safari through Zoodoo Wildlife Park with members of the Rural Youth organisation on day two in Hobart. Luke Hodge was a long way from a football field when fed a lion cub, while Xavier Ellis put on a brave face and fed hungry camels.
Rural Youth is open to people aged between 15 and 30 with a focus on fun, friends, training and travel.
Calvary Hospital was the next stop, as players enjoyed a footy day with a barbeque for patients and staff organised by the hospital. Players spent time in a range of wards and enjoyed bringing a smile to ill fans.
Camp Quality brings optimism and happiness to the lives of children and families affected by cancer through fun therapy. Chance Bateman and Jarrad Boumann enjoyed sharing a laugh with children and eating oreo’s while playing a game of ping pong
It was a wonderful, fun filled therapy session for the children and players!
Hawks Captain Luke Hodge feeds a lion cub while on safari.
Xavier Ellis and Luke Hodge get acquainted with a camel.
Jack Gunston, Luke Hodge and Michael Osborne pose for a photo with a patient at Calvary Hospital.
Hobart B
A light training sesson at the gorgeous and historic North Hobart Oval began the players' second day.
The group then travelled through a picturesque countryside to Huonville, approximately 40 minutes outside of Hobart, to take part in activities at the local outdoor pool. It was the perfect day for a pool party and while some of the kids played in the water, others took on Hawks players at cricket and volleyball.
From Huonville, the group then travelled to McDonald’s in Moonah to sign autographs - and the staff even put some of the players to work!
Bridgewater PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club) was the group’s next stop, as players were given an exciting opportunity to help children’s charity Variety present a Variety Sunshine Coach to the PCYC, which supports disadvantaged kids.
Hawks players enjoyed showing off their footy and basketball skills with the kids and then headed off to the next stop - the Tasmanian Season Launch.
The Season Launch was attended by Tasmanian Premier, The Honourable Lara Giddings MP, President Andrew Newbold, Club CEO Stuart Fox and Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson. Many corporate partners and Hawks members were also in attendance as the night capped off an action-packed day.
Camp Quality had the opportunity to present on stage, as several of the families it works with were present.
Captain Luke Hodge auctioned off a Hawthorn guernsey, which raised an impressive $700 in support of the fantastic contribution Camp Quality makes in the community.
Tom Schneider gets some young Hawks together for a game of cricket at the Huonville Pool.
The Hawks group helped Variety present a coach to the Bridgewater PCYC group.
Launceston A
An hour drive south of Launceston took the group to a town called Poatina to participate in Fusion Tasmania’s programs of fun activities with residents.
Poatina provides a unique opportunity in the care of homeless and unemployed young people. Players enjoyed a range of games including sack races, handball targets, balloon making, water balloon volleyball and ended with a game of tug of war as locals took on the Hawks - the locals triumphed 2-0.
Players then dropped into Invermay McDonalds where they enjoyed getting involved in daily service, especially surprising people in drive through who weren’t aware that the hawks were on-site. David Hale was asked for an autograph and replied with "do you want fries with that?" - he's obviously a quick learner!
The afternoon was spent at St Vincent de Paul’s northern warehouse, as players were given a tour of the facilities and met the incredible volunteers who tirelessly sort through clothing before they are delivered to stores. Players were invited to St Vinnies’ free family barbeque day and had a fun afternoon with the kids.
In the evening, the players were proud to attend the official Hawks 2012 Season Launch at Aurora Stadium as they combined with St Vincent de Paul to raise funds and awareness for a great cause.
Josh Gibson spoke to approximately 200 guests about his experiences at Community Camp thus far, as guests were introduced to the Club’s new recruits.
Sack racing in Poatina.
Massive Hawks fan, Luca, and his dad meet new recruit Broc McCauley in Poatina.
Players with families at St Vincent de Paul.
David Hale helping out at the drive through at McDonald's.
Launceston B
The day kicked off with a regional visit to Scamander, approximately 2 hours outside Launceston, where The group met with locals and played football with the kids.
Brendan Whitecross and Brent Guerra made an in-store appearance at Robert Fergusson Retravision, a corporate partner in the morning, much to the delight of many shoppers!
The group then spent the afternoon with St Michaels Youth Break, a program available to young people with disabilities aiming to give participants the opportunity to meet and spend time with other youths.
The players showed their environmentalist side as they planted a new Hawthorn Football Club Garden at the complex with the help of residents.
Helping plant the Hawthorn Football Club garden at St Michael’s Youth Break.
The Launceston Season Launch function.
