There was an abundance of cuteness at McDonald Jones Stadium at the weekend when the Newcastle Jets hosted its annual Teddy Bear Toss.
Each year the Hunter-based A-League club stages a Christmas Charity Round, where fans throw soft plush toys onto the field at a designated time.
They are then collected and donated to a chosen organisation, which supports local children and families struggling to make ends meet.
In 2023, the deserving beneficiary was Samaritans.
Hundreds of teddy bears descended upon the playing surface just before the kick-off between ALM rivals Newcastle and Perth Glory on Saturday 16 December.
And, they’ll now find a good home in the region.
“We are grateful for the generous donation of teddy bears during the A-League Men’s clash,” a Samaritans spokesperson said.
“They’ll help numerous families doing it tough by providing an item that they can put under their tree for their children to enjoy.
“We thank the Jets for choosing us as a Christmas charity partner and the community for sharing its generosity.”
The festive spirit continued on Sunday 17 December at No. 2 Sportsground prior to the Newcastle and Western United ALW match.
Supporters were encouraged to buy a little extra present and place it unwrapped under the NEW FM Giving Tree.
Gifts – such as toiletry packs, deodorant, aftershave, socks, coffee cups, hand cream, hairbrushes, jewellery, perfume, chocolates, vouchers, candles, linen, beach towels, sporting gear, Lego and DVDs – are then distributed to those who need it most.
If you’d like to contribute to Samaritans Christmas Appeal, visit the website https://www.samaritans.org.au/
For more community stories:
- Macquarie Hills Community Preschool secures $50,000 windfall
- Donation fund established following Cessnock Road fire
- Cancer doesn’t stop for Christmas: Lake Mac mum thanks Redkite
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