Football codes rivalry cast aside in spirit of giving
RIVAL codes are joining forces to bring some Christmas cheer to Far North families doing it tough this holiday season.
In the spirit of Christmas, AFL Cairns and the Northern Pride have cast their differences aside for the festive period, donating a swag of sporting gifts and festive nosh as part of the Cairns Post’s Adopt a Family appeal.
The drive aims to give more than 1000 families across Queensland a Christmas to re- member and is run in partnership with Cairns welfare services St Vincent De Paul’s, Mission Australia, Access Community Housing and Youth Empowered Towards Independence.
Former Melbourne Demons speedster and recently appointed Cairns City Lions coach, Aaron Davey, said the act of giving during the holiday season is its own reward.
“Growing up, there was always a special feeling around Christmas for myself and family,” the proud father-of-six said.
“So, if we can do something small to make someone’s Christmas a little more enjoyable and happier, that’s priceless.”
Pride recruit Todd Carney said a miserable holiday period away from family while playing for Catalans Dragons in 2014 changed what Christmas means to him.
“My sisters now have all their kids too so seeing my nieces and nephews get excited is what I look forward to now,” Carney said.
“I had my first Christmas away from family in France and I vowed never do it again.
“It doesn’t matter how far I have to travel or what I have to do to be there … (I’ll do it) because it is so special.
“It’s so good that the Pride can give back and hopefully those little gifts make people feel special on an important day.”
Access Community Housing chief executive officer DonnaMaree O’Connor said seeing families react to being given something is a rare privilege.
The Adopt a Family for Christmas Appeal will run until December 16.
To donate phone 4052 6934.