Working with the Club, McDonald’s will develop community programs that encourage local children to lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle and learn the spirit of sportsmanship.
This will incorporate two grassroots football clinics throughout the season - the McDonald’s Major Junior Clinic and the McDonald’s Tasmanian Mighty Footy Trip - which will give over 300 local children the opportunity to learn the skills and tactics that got their football heroes to an elite level.
McDonald’s will also be the presenting partner of HawksKids, a half an hour television program on Friday afternoons during the football season.
Hosted by former Hawks forward Ben Dixon, the program features weekly interviews with all the Hawthorn stars, skills and drills to train the stars of tomorrow, Hawthorn match reviews and highlights, and results and match reviews from junior footy leagues around Tasmania.
In addition, Hawthorn Football Club have committed to supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Tasmania and McDonald’s fundraising event McHappy Day.
RMHC is most prevalent in Tasmania through Ronald McDonald House in Hobart.
The House provides a home in close proximity to Royal Hobart Hospital for families of expectant mothers and children with serious illnesses, who need to travel to the state’s capital city to undergo treatment.
McDonald’s Tasmania licensee and representative, Andrew Gilbertson, said: “We are looking forward to developing and cultivating a strong relationship with the Hawthorn Football Club in 2010.”
“The Hawks are the perfect fit for the McDonald’s restaurants in Tasmania,” he continued. “Hawthorn is a community-minded club with established links within Tasmania, and reflects McDonald’s ethos of encouraging participation in sport and celebrating the sportsmanship attributes that are the most important to families.”
Hawthorn Football Club’s CEO Stuart Fox said: “"Hawthorn Football Club is delighted to welcome McDonald's as our Tasmanian Grassroots Partner."
"The grassroots partnership will see McDonald's host two fantastic footy clinics at the home of the Tassie Hawks, Aurora Stadium, and become the Club's presenting partner of its own TV program, HawksKids, which is broadcast on Southern Cross TV in Tasmania each Friday afternoon at 5pm during the season."
"McDonald's are a strong community partner and the Club looks forward to working with them closely through their grassroots partnership and other community initiatives."
Hawks star Brad Sewell said: “We are extremely excited to see what 2010 will bring as we work alongside McDonald’s to continue implementing activities that will encourage kids to get involved in grassroots footy.”
“Through this and my regular segment on HawksKids regarding healthy living and nutrition, I’m hoping to make a positive impact on young people’s lives and choices.”
The partnership will be for one year initially, with the option to renew for three years.
