Collingwood players turn Christmas elves for the day

Magpies midfielder and vice-captain Taylor Adams, who was on hand packing hampers, said what Collingwood athletes did on the field and the court wasn’t everything.

“Just as important is how you handle yourself outside of your professional life,” Adams said. “How you treat people and what you’re willing to do to help those in need – that was sort of instilled through my childhood and certainly something that’s been prominent in my time at the football club.”

Adams said it was “really sad” knowing that many luncheon attendees would otherwise not get a gift or have a Christmas Day meal – but that’s what made the hampers and the event “so awesome to be part of”.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to put some smiles on people’s faces, not only the kids but the families that support them,” he said.

Packing goodies and gifts alongside Collingwood elites including Adams, AFLW player Sarah Rowe and Super Netballer Kelsey Browne was Salvation Army Major Brendan Nottle.

A Salvo for the past 30 years, whose second grandchild William was born just three weeks ago, Major Nottle said Collingwood FC had supported his team’s work with the homeless and disadvantaged of Melbourne’s CBD for close to 25 years.

“There’s an increasing group of people, and we see them, (for whom) Christmas is probably the worst time of year,” he said. “Wherever they look they’re often reminded of what they don’t have in life … happy families and gift-giving and sitting around having a pleasant meal together with family and friends.

“It’s not just about the meal, although the meal is magnificent, it’s the gifts.

“Coles is putting together these magnificent gift bags this year with the players and it’s that sort of thing that sends a powerful message that people are not forgotten (at) this really significant time of the year when they often feel like they’re invisible.”

The 2021 luncheon is at the Magpie Nest cafe and Major Nottle said as many as 600 people would be welcomed with open arms.

“They’re not treated as a number, they’re not treated as some welfare recipient, they’re actually treated as a fellow human being,” he said.

“People love all that excitement that is created by having players down there. And just the opportunity to get together with other people on Christmas Day, have a great Christmas lunch and be treated with absolute dignity and respect, which is what they deserve.”

Coles corporate affairs general manager Sally Fielke said that while Christmas was a time for celebration and joy, it could be “a difficult, lonely and challenging time” for the many people who were homeless and otherwise disadvantaged.

“We are proud to partner with the Collingwood Football Club Community Foundation and the Salvos to help spread some festive cheer by supporting this very special luncheon, which has become an annual tradition on Christmas Day,” she said.

Coles will also donate and deliver more than 2000 frozen meals to the Salvos to help feed people in need over the Christmas and New Year period.

Originally published as Collingwood AFL, AFLW, Super Netball stars Santa’s helpers in wrap-and-pack for community