The GIANTS united with their brothers in orange and visited Ronald McDonald House in Westmead for their annual Meals from the Heart Christmas visit.
One of the most cherished days in the club’s calendar, players and staff from both the Netball and AFL programs spent time spreading the Christmas cheer and brightening the lives of those families who are currently facing challenging times.
The annual December visit was part of the GIANTS’ ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in the community. For many of the families staying in the house in Western Sydney, their time is often filled with uncertainty and stress as they support their children who are undergoing serious medical treatment.
The players and staff spent the evening preparing dinner, engaging with the children and their families and handing out some early Christmas presents.
GIANTS Netball defender and Ronald McDonald House ambassador, Tilly McDonell, said it’s by far one of her favourite days of the year.
“It’s just so special, the kids are beautiful and I feel so lucky to get to experience it with so many of the girls and also the boys,” she said.
The fun-loving and energetic defender has been a Ronald McDonald House ambassador since 2020 and said the privilege is all hers.
“It’s just like the most beautiful place on earth and it’s amazing to be a part of it,” she said.
“Every time I visit, I just feel so privileged. It’s honestly just so amazing.”
Through the four years of the club’s partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney (RMHCGWS), McDonell and her teammates have connected with some amazing children and made life-long friendships away from the house.
“We have some amazing little kids that have been involved in Ronald McDonald house but have now progressed and are back out there thriving in the everyday world,” McDonell said.
“We met a little superstar called Makenzie a few years back and she’s now back in her hometown of Orange and back on the courts playing netball again. She’s most the amazing little warrior.
“And then Parms [Amy Parmenter] has had her own connections with some of the kids along the way like Molly and just to see the stuff she is doing with the Tie Dye Project and other inspiring stuff is just crazy.
“So yeah, we’ve met some exceptional people.”
For anyone wishing to donate to RMHCGWS’ Christmas appeal you can do so here.