NSW WARATAHS
Community involvement is something that is an important facet of being a Waratah. The team, as well as the organisation, are well aware that community support is paramount to the success of the team and as such are more than happy to give back to the rugby community as well as the wider community.
“Having seen the way the boys get involved when they are there, it is sometimes easy to forget which ones are the kids”
2nd year of this initiative where the team wear unique jerseys that are then signed and auctioned off. Funds raised from this initiative go towards rebuilding the Cerebral Palsy Alliance headquarters in Allambie Heights after it was destroyed by fire in 2007 as well as creating a state-of-the-art physiotherapy and treatment centre for kids who suffer from Cerebral Palsy The auctioning of these jerseys raised around $40K and combined with other fundraising efforts such as the sale of commemorative hats and the donation of proceeds from the match day program amongst others raised the total raised to $94,839. The other charity that is heavily supported by the boys at the Waratahs is the Starlight Foundation.
Led by Ben Mowen, who can be found on many a training free day at the Starlight Room at the Children’s Hospital in Randwick, the boys enjoy their trips to visit these sick kids. The Starlight Room is a room where the kids get to forget about why they are in hospital and gives them a chance to be kids. Having seen the way the boys get involved when they are there, it is sometimes easy to forget which ones are the kids. The boys love getting stuck in having their hair and nails painted or dressing up or even busting some moves or some tunes on the Nintendo Wii. The boys officially visit the Starlight room every month with many of the boys going in their own time as well. LACHLAN MCBAIN
2010 saw the boys make nearly 50 hours of appearances at rugby clubs and various community activities around the state. Predominantly at junior clubs the Waratahs are regularly giving their time to help junior clubs by just turning up to sign a few autographs and cook the BBQ or even fundraise by being the prize for a kicking clinic or coaching a session. Season 2010 saw the Waratahs support two major charities in their own different way. Firstly there was the charity match raising funds for Cerebral Palsy Alliance against the Hurricanes in Round 14. 2010 was the Drew Mitchell at the Starlight Foundation
RUPA ANNUAL REPORT 2010 PAGE 25