The Central Coast Mariners helped spread Christmas cheer to those less fortunate on Tuesday, visiting Gosford Hospital patients and staff in the Ronald McDonald House room and Paediatrics ward.
A visit to the Ronald McDonald House room at Gosford Hospital last year sparked something in Jordan Murray, and his experience 12 months ago saw him push strongly to be part of this week’s visit to the room and the ward once again.
Murray, along with Jacob Melling and Giancarlo Gallifuoco, handed out gifts, signed caps and put a smile on the face of youngsters at Gosford Hospital a week ahead of Christmas.
The forward, who could potentially return from a round 10 absence this weekend spoke fondly of the 2018 visit and reiterated the importance of community involvement.
“It was an experience that I really cherished, just seeing the smallest reactions of the children, smiling when they’re sick or unwell,” he said.
“Just to see what our presence can do, it brightens your day and makes you realise how lucky you are to be where you are in life.”
“I love happiness, I like to see kids being happy.”
The visit was a continuation of the club’s support for Ronald McDonald House Charities, with the round six clash against Adelaide United falling on McHappy Day, and a number of activations on the day helping to raise money for the organisation.
Murray reiterated the importance of him and teammates using their status as role models to make a difference in the community, and highlighted the visit as one way of doing so.
Thank you to all the staff at Gosford hospital and @CCMariners for the rewarding experience of making kids smile on Christmas. pic.twitter.com/oLJrWClrGC
— Jordan Murray (@jordanmurray28) December 20, 2019
“I think it’s a good opportunity for us boys to not only give back to the community, but to come out and make the day for some kids,” he said.
“It’s Christmas time, it’s a time of happiness and to give presents and get the reaction of the kids, a simple smile, it melts the heart for me and the other boys I’m sure.”
“This provides a chance for us to see just how tight this community is on the Coast, and allows us to do the small thing of giving back, not just on the field but in a setting like this where we can interact with people and make their day as well.”
Murray missed last weekend’s loss to Sydney with a concussion sustained in training, but is a chance to return this weekend when the Mariners host Adelaide United at Central Coast Stadium and said it’s heartening to see the direction the club and team is headed.
“We’re slowly getting back on track,” Murray said.
“We’ve got a strong team, a really tight-knit group and the things we do off the field we want to replicate on the field.
“We want to be a good team, with good heart, and to always make sure we do the small things of going around after a game, seeing the fans who pay to come watch the game and put a smile on a child’s face where we can.”
The Mariners will kick-off against Adelaide at 6pm on Sunday night, but there’s plenty to do beforehand including coming along to our Christmas Fair! More information here.
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Ronald McDonald House is an official Charity Partner of the Central Coast Mariners. You can learn more about the work they do here.
The Mariners would like to thank both Gosford Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House room for facilitating the visit.
