Players from the Leeds Rhinos men’s, women’s, and netball teams continued their Christmas tradition this week with a heart-warming visit to Leeds Children’s Hospital, delivering gifts to young patients and their families.
This year’s visit was made even more memorable by another kind donation from Amazon, which once again provided a variety of goods to brighten the holiday season for kids throughout the wards, including toys, portable DVD players, baby supplies, and necessities. Since the LBA5 Fulfilment Centre opened, the Foundation’s relationship with Amazon has only gotten stronger, developing into a significant partnership committed to helping the local community every year.
Leeds Rhinos CEO – Jamie Jones-Buchanan, commented:
“It’s really important getting out into the communities of Leeds. There’s a long-standing relationship now with Leeds Children’s Hospital. They’ve got wonderful staff who do outstanding work and they’re often fans of Leeds Rhinos.
“But ultimately, it’s about the young people, it’s about the children and to be able to get around the wards. Giving out some gifts and putting smiles on young faces at a difficult time of year is the main thing. It’s always an honour and a pleasure to come down and visit Leeds Children’s Hospital.”
As part of the Leeds Rhinos’ 2025 Christmas Cracker promotion, players are encouraged to give their uniforms to the Leeds Rhinos Foundation. Fans purchase these, and the money raised goes toward matching Amazon’s donation and buying more presents like Wi-Fi dongles, books, toiletries, and selection boxes.
Gareth Cook – Head of Community and Engagement at Leeds Rhinos Foundation said:
“We come every year and it’s through a lot of kind donations from the players giving their kit in, fans buying the kit and donations from Amazon as well. We find out from Leeds Children’s Hospital what’s needed on the ward for the young people that are here and try and get as much as we can to make it a special time and as best we can.
“The visit wouldn’t be possible without help from our key partners. We have the foundation and the club to thank. But also, Four ways who provide a bus every year, Amazon bring the vouchers that we can spend on presents and the fans that buy the players’ kit bundles that go back into funding the presents.”
Fionnuala O’Connor – Play Specialist at Leeds Children’s Hospital, added:
“The visit from Leeds Rhinos every single year at Christmas is absolutely amazing. The children, miss out on a lot of opportunities when they’re in hospital. Having the Leeds Rhinos visit is incredible. It just cheers up all the children and gives them something different to think about during the day and it’s really nice having all the donations.
“The children absolutely love it, all the gifts that we receive through the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Amazon are amazing. They cater for all the different needs and ages. We get things for babies all the way up to things for teenagers and it just brightens up their day. We’re really grateful to everyone at Leeds Rhinos as well all their fans and supporters whose kindness make events like this possible”
Leeds Rhinos, Leeds Rhinos Foundation, and Amazon’s joint efforts demonstrate once more the effectiveness of community collaborations in creating a noticeable impact throughout the holiday season.