It’s not every day you see a bunch of club members and staff packing up superhero-themed goodies with huge grins on their faces, but that’s exactly what happened at Wests Illawarra recently.
The club hosted a totally heartwarming Supertee Packing Event where over 50 volunteers came together to make life a bit brighter for kids battling illness at Wollongong Hospital.
We popped in to check out the scene, and the energy was contagious!
Every time a carton was packed, the sound of a bell would ring out, marking another box of Supertees ready to go. The whole room erupted into claps and cheers. So good!
The Story Behind Supertee
At the heart of this event is the inspiring story of Supertee, a charity that’s bringing a little magic to hospitals.
It all started with a dad on a mission. Jason Sotiris, a tradie turned CEO of Supertee, came up with the idea after facing a tough journey with his own daughter, Angela, who was diagnosed with a rare cancer shortly after her first birthday.
“It was tough seeing her go through years of treatment, so I wanted to do something to help other kids facing the same battle,” Jason shared. “I reinvented the hospital gown into something that kids would actually want to wear… a superhero costume.”
How inspiring is that?!
The Supertee isn’t just a regular T-shirt. It’s designed with practical features that make life easier for parents and medical staff, like easy-access panels for medical lines and scans.
But what really sets it apart is how it transforms the hospital experience into something a bit less scary.
As Jason puts it, “We want kids to see themselves as the heroes they truly are. The power of imagination can really help kids reframe what they’re going through.”
A Community Effort
Volunteers packed over 300 Supertee care packs filled with not just the incredible Supertee garments but also fun extras like activity books, stickers, and handwritten notes of encouragement.
Renata Garnero, Chief Financial Officer of Wests Illawarra, shared how special the event was for the club.
“We donated $20,000 to Supertee, which helped buy about 365 Supertees. It was awesome to see not just our staff but also our members getting involved,” she said. “This is the first time we’ve opened up a volunteer event to members, and the response was amazing.”
Marvel Superheroes To The Rescue
The care packs featured designs inspired by Marvel superheroes like Captain America and Captain Marvel.
These tees aren’t just cute, they’re empowering!
The Marvel Edition Supertees are MRI and PET scan-friendly, with clever design features that allow easy access for medical staff without needing to fully undress the child.
It’s all about keeping the kids comfortable while letting them channel their inner superhero.
“These Supertee care packs are more than just gifts. They’re a way to make a tough hospital stay just a little bit brighter for both the children and their families,” added Renata.T
Community Spirit In Action
This event was special not just because of the cause, but also because, as Renata mentioned, this was the first time Wests Illawarra invited its members to volunteer alongside staff.
The response was overwhelming, and it’s clear that the spirit of giving back is alive and well in this community.
In fact, the club is keeping the bell that rang out during the packing event on display as a symbol of the day’s success and the community’s involvement.
“We’re keeping it on display to remind everyone of the impact we can have when we come together,” Renata said.
Love it!
The Power Of Giving Back
For Jason, the magic of Supertee is about more than just the garments. It’s about creating a sense of unity and support for families who are going through one of the toughest times of their lives.
“What we saw here today was community at its finest. Volunteers giving up their time to help kids they don’t even know, that’s where the magic happens,” he said.
Since its start in 2018 with just one hospital, Supertee has grown to distribute its superhero garments to 91 hospitals across Australia, helping over 16,000 kids.
That growth wouldn’t have been possible without the support of local communities like Wests Illawarra and the generosity of people who donate to the cause.
So next time you visit Wests, look out for that bell on display and remember the difference a little bit of community spirit can make.
“We do it all for free, with the help of volunteers and local clubs like Wests Illawarra. Together, we can show these kids that they’re not just patients, they’re superheroes,” Jason said.
Right, someone pass us the tissues, please!