GIANTS Help Deliver Children’s Hospice In Western Sydney

The GIANTS have announced a significant achievement in their commitment to support vulnerable families in Western Sydney through the establishment of a new hospice, Mounties Care Cottage, which will provide essential end-of-life palliative and respite care for babies and children.

As the initiative gained momentum in 2023, thanks in part to former player, Callan Ward and his wife Ruby, who motivated the GIANTS Foundation to support Rio’s Legacy, a charity founded by Ryan and Karen Fowler to assist families facing the devastating reality of losing a child.

Commenting on the charity, Callan Ward, said: “This is an incredible cause. As a father of three, I believe children are at the heart of everything,” 

“This project is vital not only for the children but also for the entire community.

“Imagining myself in the position of families with sick children is heartbreaking.

“However, with Mounties Care Cottage, those families will have access to the support they desperately need,” he said.

In addition, Ryan Fowler shared a poignant story regarding his son Rio who passed away due to a rare condition, saying: “Even in our final moments together, we felt safe and surrounded by love.”

“This inspiration has propelled our mission to create a hospice in Western Sydney,

“As we honour Rio’s legacy, Mounties Care Cottage will exist as a nurturing environment where children can live fully, rather than a place for farewells.

“Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the Mounties and the GIANTS, whose faith in our vision is paving the way for meaningful change in Western Sydney and beyond,” Fowler said.

General manager of the GIANTS Foundation, Nici Andronicus, added: “About 18 months ago, our players, members, fans, and donors rallied behind this vital project, and we are thrilled to see our efforts come to fruition.”

“This hospice exemplifies community spirit and the essential services we aim to provide in Western Sydney. We invite local businesses, sports teams, community groups, and families to join us in this meaningful endeavour,” Andronicus said.

Motivated by Rio’s legacy, the GIANTS set an ambitious goal of raising AUD$30 million for the hospice, leading to a collaboration with Mounties Group to launch a comprehensive awareness and fundraising campaign.

The partnership’s extensive member base of over 300,000 facilitated various fundraising events, including match days and the City2Surf, raising an impressive AUD$3.3 million.

On Tuesday, both the GIANTS and Rio’s Legacy gathered at the Westmead Children’s Hospital, the future site of Mounties Care Cottage, to mark a crucial funding milestone.

Notably, the Mounties Group increased its financial commitment to AUD$13 million, while the Minister for Health, Ryan Park, announced a significant AUD$20 million contribution from the Minns Government, securing the total funding required for the hospice’s construction.

The hospice is envisioned as a homelike setting where children will receive crucial care from respite and symptom management to end-of-life support.

This initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the GIANTS, Mounties, and the broader community.

Both organisations are committed to continuing fundraising efforts for the project through the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.

Importantly, the Mounties’ AUD$13 million contribution marks the largest single donation in the history of the foundation.

Looking ahead, the GIANTS plan to host numerous fundraising and engagement activities throughout 2025, including participation in the City2Surf in August.

They are also eager to enlist community support for this significant cause and ensure that Mounties Care Cottage becomes a treasured resource in Western Sydney.

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