While the annual Variety Xmas Kids Party at McDonald Jones Stadium had to be cancelled this year, not even a pandemic was going to stop the kids from receiving their gifts in 2020.
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Organisers had to be a bit creative this year due to coronavirus restrictions, so they decided to hold the event in the car park as a drive through celebration to ensure more than 1000 sick, disadvantaged and special needs children received presents and a bit of Christmas joy.
Variety families registered to attend yesterday's event in one of four hour-long windows to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
They pulled up at the event in their cars, where 60 volunteers handed out the gifts, which were either donated or funded through money raised last year.
The Hunter Heroes performers also dressed up in their finest costumes - including Buzz Lightyear, Elsa, Ironman and Spiderman - to entertain the families in their vehicles and there was music, Variety bash cars, the Newcastle Knights cheerleaders and even Hunter Valley Santa and Mrs Claus to put a smile on the childrens' faces.
Event manager Brooke Bell said while there were kids who were in need every year, there was a particular desire to help families after what has been a particularly hard year.
"I really think these families have suffered a lot this year especially with the restrictions and COVID," she said.
"A lot of these kids are sick, have got compromised immunity, mum and dad may have lost jobs, so I think this year more than ever they really needed something a little bit special.
"Even though they couldn't have the big party, they get to have a bit of Christmas joy.
"Everyone is just really happy, they're waving out the windows. It's been great."
Variety NSW/ACT acting general manager David Small said it was important for the kids and families that this celebration go ahead in 2020 despite the COVID-19 limitations.
"It has been a tough year for everyone," Mr Small said.
"Not only have we had to cancel the majority of our fundraising and events for special kids, we have seen requests for grants go up by over 400 per cent.
"I am very proud that the Variety team was able to plan and host this event so we didn't let our families down."
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IN THE NEWS:
Sage Swinton
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
