The seaside suburb of Stockton is well-known for its community spirit.
And, that collective persona’s expected to come to the fore again this weekend.
The 10th annual Harry’s House Charity Shield will return to Lynn Oval on Saturday 13 August to not only pay homage to Harry Meyn, who lost his life to a brain tumour at the age of seven, but also the late Paul Zenthon.
“We’ve obviously had a few bumpy stop-starts with COVID-19 and everything in recent times,” Samantha Meyn said.
“But, now, it’s all systems go.
“It should be great.
“The event was founded through much-loved Stockton local Paul (Zenthon), who has sadly since passed away.
“He was heavily involved with the Old Boys footy.
“However, we got to know him around the area – and Paul came up with the idea.
“He helped us steer the first few years, assist wherever he could to make it such a success.
“So, we’ve always tried to keep it going in honour of himself, as much as the community, who’s been very supportive.
“It’s a terrific way to keep the memory of Harry alive, too.
“We have a lot of fundraising events but there’s not many that can involve all the families and adults alike.
“So, it is a really fun day where Stockton rallies together – and gets behind us.”
The Harry Meyn Foundation, founded by Samantha and David Meyn, was initially established to raise funds for other children’s cancer charities including Camp Quality, Kids with Cancer, Cure for Life and Lifehouse at RPA.
In 2011, it set up Harry’s House Family Retreat at Stockton, a sanctuary for families who have a child living with cancer or have lost a child to the insidious disease.
Three years later, Harry’s House Mobile Retreat, a six-berth Avida (Australian Winnebago) Ceduna Motorhome, came to fruition.
“We not only wanted to carry on our son’s legacy; we wanted to make a difference,” Mrs Meyn said.
“Harry and I noticed, while in the hospital system, that a lot of families didn’t have the support we did.
“We were lucky we were relatively local.
“David and I also had both our parents actively in our lives, who lived five minutes away.
“We had brothers and sisters available, too – just a massive network, which was amazing.
“After nine months in the hospital system, you might get to know a little girl, however you’d never meet her dad.
“Or, you wouldn’t see someone’s mother or their grandparents because it’s so draining on the family while they’re needing to work or trying to keep their mortgage payments going as well.
“That resulted in the first seed being planted.
“Harry would always say ‘isn’t it sad that Jacob’s father can’t be here?’
“He’d make little innocent observations like that.
“Then, after he passed away, we really wanted to honour him somehow.
“And, we thought that was one thing that meant a lot to him.”
So, Harry’s House came to life, according to Mrs Meyn.
“It’s a way to assist families,” she said.
“They’re not charged a cent, everything’s done – they just rock up and relax.
“Where we can, we also provide vouchers, whether it’s food or from IGA.
“We’re determined to take the burden off families as much as we can during a tough period, even if it’s just for a week or two.”
That means all roads will lead to Lynn Oval this weekend.
Between noon and 4pm on 13 August, there’ll be something for everyone, from an aerobatic air show to entertainment, a BBQ, some footy and much more.
“A heap of juniors will take the field in the morning,” Mrs Meyn told the Newcastle Weekly.
“Then we’ll see a mix of Old Boys and younger players contest the Charity Shield.
“Even though it’s supposed to be a light-hearted game, they take it pretty seriously.
“I think the adrenalin kicks in.
“We’ve had former Newcastle Knights Robbie O’Davis and Paul Harragon participate in the past – it’s whoever would like to put their hand up and have a run.
“Our sons play in the day now, as does David and his brother, which makes it extra special.
“We just put the sides together, all in the name of fun.
“David and I really appreciate the community’s support; it’s always fantastic.
“Plus, Orica’s sponsored the event from day one, which we’re grateful for.
“It’s nice to see a heap of familiar faces that you don’t usually see during the year, especially over the past couple.
“Stockton is an awesome little spot.
“We’re very fortunate to have Harry’s House there.”
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