Northern Beaches Hospital Launch
Northern Beaches Hospital Launch
John Hopoate (Former NRL Player); Connie Mastroianni (Connie M Buyers Advisory); Adam Thomas (CEO No Time For Grime); Anne McKeown (2MPower); Tania Mastroianni (CEO/Founder Business With A Heart Ltd); and Wonder Bear
Tuesday July 8th 2025 - Business With A Heart Ltd officially launched the Special Bear Friends initiative at Northern Beaches Hospital. This heart-led visit brought joy, hope, and comfort to sick children and their families in one of the most meaningful ways possible.
This special day was made possible thanks to the compassion and support of our incredible business sponsors—Adam Thomas and Luke from No Time For Grime, Anne McKeown from 2MPower, Connie Mastroianni from Connie M Buyers Advisory, and former NRL player John Hopoate. What took place was far more than just the delivery of teddy bears, It was a heartfelt gesture of love, strength, and solidarity.
It was Adam Thomas’ belief in our mission that sparked this launch. His team at No Time For Grime and Pharo Cleaning embraced the initiative as part of a team-building experience, handmaking the bears and eagerly awaiting the opportunity to personally deliver them to their local hospital. Businesses like Adam’s show us that one person, one company, can truly make a lasting impact.
Adam Thomas (No Time For Grime); John Hopoate (Former NRL Player); Tania Mastroianni (Founding Director of BWAH Charity); Wonder Bear
As Wonder Bear and our founder Tania Mastroianni walked through the ward, gifting bears the children could keep, something beautiful unfolded. These weren’t just toys—they became symbols of courage and reminders that these children are not alone. In that moment, hospital walls faded into the background, and families were wrapped in the warmth of a community that truly cares.
“It’s incredible to see the children’s faces light up,” said Tania. “They're mesmerised when Wonder Bear walks in. Then, receiving their very own Hero Bear, something changes. They become empowered. It’s a kind of magic you can feel—it’s real.”
John Hopoate brought his own brand of strength and compassion to every room he entered. “It makes me so sad seeing these sick kids. All I want to do is help them, and their parents. I can’t imagine what they’re going through—what your mum would have gone through,” he shared, referencing Tania’s personal story of resilience.
John didn’t just pose for photos—he connected deeply with the children and staff, sharing laughs and heartfelt moments, showing that sometimes just being present can mean everything.
The hospital staff, too, reminded us of their incredible dedication, not only to medical care, but to the emotional and psychological wellbeing of every child and parent in their care. Their gratitude and kindness were truly humbling.
We look forward to many more visits to Northern Beaches Hospital, delivering not only teddy bears—but ongoing messages of hope, healing, and community.
If your business wants to make a difference—this is your invitation. Sponsor a bear. Show up. Help us remind these little fighters they’re never alone.