Cowboys in Capes to spread spirit and cheer
The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are putting smiles on the faces of patients in hospital with a new community program, Cowboys in Capes.
Supported by Sun Metals, Cowboys NRL players will make regular visits to wards at Townsville University Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, where they will lift spirits and help patients and their families stay positive.
Players will spend time taking photos, signing autographs or simply saying hello.
The program officially launched on Monday with Tom Chester, Laitia Moceidreke and Gavin Cooper visiting Townsville University Hospital's Intensive Care Unit and Children's Ward.
Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Tanya Busoli, said the Cowboys' visits will assist Brighter Lives in their aim to brighten the experience of hospital patients, visitors and staff.
"These are all people going through a tough time so it was wonderful to see their faces brighten when they spotted their special visitors," she said.
"A patient stay could be an hour, months or more and it can be stressful - patients at the hospital may be from anywhere in North Queensland so may not have family or friends close by, so it can also be lonely.
"These visits really can turn a patient’s day around and brighten their day."
During the visit, Cowboys players connected with patients from all walks of life, spending time in wards and recreational areas.
A 2023 team jersey was also presented to the Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation by the players for use in fundraising activities, while Chester and Moceidreke signed posters for the patients and their families.
Sun Metals Chief Executive Officer Ron Lee said supporting the program aligns with their community support focus on health, children and local benefit.
"As part of this community we need to find ways to contribute and support each other, and the North Queensland Cowboys have provided an avenue for us to be involved in a program that could touch any one of us," he said.
"Having seen our Cowboys in Capes in action during one of their hospital visits, we witnessed the joy it brought – to patients, their loved ones and the hard working hospital staff.
"This simple investment of time has a great impact on the mental health and wellbeing of so many."
For more information about the program, visit cowboys.com.au/community/cowboys-in-capes/.
