The Captain Starlight program brought a smile to the face of Maitland’s sick children and their families just before Christmas with face painting, card playing, singing and craft. The diversional therapy, funded by the Greater Charitable Foundation, was designed to take the young patients’ minds away from being in hospital.

The visit was the second for Green Hills Greater Building Society branch manager Heather Graham, who said the atmosphere was a relaxing and rewarding escape for the children in the ward. 

“Plenty of donations are given to the Starlight’s head office at John Hunter [Hospital], showbags and presents, and the captains handed them out to the children and it was such a relaxed Christmasy atmosphere.”

Mrs Graham said the program is an  effective way to address an invaluable cause and the visit on Wednesday was no exception.

“The captains walk in and all eyes are instantly on them. They’re bright and bubbly and all the troubles of the day simply melt away for the kids,” she said. “It’s a wonderful cause, especially when you see the smiling faces of children and their parents.”