Freo pops up for Starlight
Pop-up Christmas Markets in Freo on Sunday helped kick off the pursuit of yet another Starlight Purple Haze fundraising record
There was plenty happening, with more than 40 market stalls, live entertainment, food vendors and face painting in what was an initiative by the Freo Dockers Sirens supporter group.
The club’s Starlight ambassadors Aaron Sandilands, Garrick Ibbotson, Alex Silvagni, Lachie Neale and Matt de Boer were on hand to greet fans and help rattle tins for the children’s charity, which brightens the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children and their families throughout Australia.
‘Sandi’ had daughter Sloane in tow, and she found some of the pretty pink dresses on sale among the stalls rather appealing.
Ibbotson got to meet one of his youngest fans, eight-month-old Olivia Rose Cunnane, whose smile stole the Freo’s defender’s heart.
Olivia was born on 1 April and was signed up immediately as a Docket Tot member.
Ibbotson said it was always special for the Starlight Ambassadors to do their bit for the club’s principal charity partner.
“I’ve been involved personally for about five or six years, and you get a bit of a relationship with a lot of the kids because you see them a lot and you see them handballing and playing games.
“To see the smiles on their faces, they’re always enjoying themselves considering they are going through a hard time.
“It’s good for us to come out and see them every now and again. Seeing them playing around and enjoying themselves gives us good perspective on what footy is really all about.”