Eagles Angels News

An Evening With Bear Cottage

11/8/2009

By Mary Finkelsen - Eagles Angels Manager

Normally I get a bit hot under the collar when we lose a game like we did against the Rabbitohs but the ten wonderful women in the Warringah Mall Eagles Angels Lounge made me put things into perspective.  Narelle who is the Manager of Bear Cottage bought along with her 5 nursing staff and 4 parents who have very sick children and who needed to have a bit of a break and have a bit of fun. 
 
It was amazing to hear their stories.  What was more amazing was the love, strength and commitment these women have towards their children.  It's women (and their partners) like this that are our real heroes in our community.  As are the wonderful staff that are so dedicated and really love and enjoy what they do every day. I'm sure you have all heard of Bear Cottage but it's worthwhile reminding everyone. 
 
"It is a place where children with terminal illnesses and their families can stay from time to time and receive rest and medical care in a home-like environment.  It is designed as a large family beach home.  With specialist medical care available 24 hours a day to take care of the children's medical needs and staff and volunteers to see to daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning, families are provided with the opportunity to spend some quality time together and relax in the tranquil surroundings near all the attractions and amenities of one of Sydney's national holiday destinations.

In addition to providing respite and end of life care, Bear Cottage runs a number of other programs aimed to support the entire family.

Families do not pay for any Bear Cottage services and all operating expenses are raised entirely through community donations."

This is the amazing part of Bear Cottage.  Since the opening of Bear Cottage in 1988 it is run entirely on charity donations and fundraising.  The government has only ever given Bear Cottage a one off payment which they have recently used for renovations.
The reason these lovely ladies came along for the evening is that they are one of the main charity of choice of our wonderful sponsors Warringah Mall.  Angels that came along for the game were Kerri who, besides her boy Tyson bought along his gorgeous friend Phoenix, daughter of  Guy Leech; Naomi who was queen of the kids and Mel who was running between our lounge and the directors box.  Deb Watson was going to come along but she wasn't feeling well.  I can tell you why now because although she has managed to keep it quiet for quite a while, there is nothing that can now hide the fact that Deb is with child and due November!!  It certainly is the year of the baby...Shannan Ballin came to show off her gorgeous Fletcher, Kylie Hall is getting bigger and more beautiful each day and due in September and Haley Kite bought along her brood and....yes.....she too is pregnant with child number 3. 

Also popping in to say hi and mingle were Deb Fitzgerald and her sister Rebecca, Shelly Cleal and Deb Reilly who I was on strict instructions to kick out of the lounge from her husband Bob in case Shannan was there at the same time with baby Fletcher.  If Deb had her way she would quite happily have a couple more children!!

Wendy called right on full time from the Bryon Writers Festival anxious to hear the results of the boys.  Nice to see she has her priorities right!

Well we all enjoyed the night even though the on field happenings weren't what we had hoped for.

Finally the reason my daughter and husband didn't come along to the game is they were at ACER watching the amazing magician/illusionist/entertainer David Copperfield.  If only our boys managed to pull a few rabbits out of their hat....either that or make the Rabbitohs totally disappear on the night!

Never mind boys....we still have a chance.

Thank you Bear Cottage, thank you Warringah Mall, thank you Angels and to all our visitors for such a wonderful evening.

Go Manly!

 

All content on the Sea Eagles Website is subject to copyright and cannot be used, copied, reproduced, published, stored in a retrieval system, altered or transmitted in any form without the prior written approval of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Limited

---

Other Stories for    News Archive September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005