ICMS and Bear Cottage: Supporting Real Heroes for 25 Years

The ICMS Northern Beaches Campus was filled with laughter and excitement this past weekend as it hosted Superhero Day, a festive event that marks the kickoff of Bear Cottage’s Superhero Week.  

This annual celebration is a key fundraiser, aiming to raise $250,000 to support children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.  

But for the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS), the partnership with Bear Cottage is about much more than just one day.  

As ICMS’ main charity partner, the two organisations have shared a relationship that spans over 25 years, with an even deeper level of commitment from ICMS from 2022.  

Bear Cottage: A Place of Care and Community

Bear Cottage, like the ICMS ‘castle on the hill’, is nestled within the grounds of historic St Patrick’s Estate and holds a special place in the hearts of the ICMS community.  

As the only children’s hospice in New South Wales, Bear Cottage provides respite and care to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.  

Founded in 2001, Bear Cottage is a proud member of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and is supported by the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, whose ongoing fundraising ensures every child facing serious illness can access world-class care. 

Through ongoing support, resources, and care, ICMS has proudly worked alongside Bear Cottage to make a difference in the lives of families navigating some of their toughest challenges.  

A Tradition of Giving Back

ICMS’s role in supporting Bear Cottage goes far beyond hosting Superhero Day.  

Over the years, the college has embedded this partnership into its culture, reflecting its dedication to civic leadership and local community involvement.  

Below are some of the remarkable ways ICMS contributes to Bear Cottage throughout the year: 

• Hosting Superhero Day annually to launch Superhero Week.  

• Providing training spaces and catering for Bear Cottage events at cost.  

• Hosting significant events like the annual Remembering Day and Christmas celebrations.  

• Offering the campus as the venue for Bear Cottage’s portrait exhibition, a heartfelt event that could become an annual highlight.  

• Ensuring parking availability for Bear Cottage events on weekends and evenings, as well as special vehicle storage for parents visiting end-of-life children.  

• Arranging exclusive weekend tours of the campus “castle” for kids who are too unwell to attend Superhero Day but dream of exploring a real castle.  

• Offering free-of-charge staff support and enlisting student volunteers to assist with events.  

• Including a hands-on project in an ICMS events class, where students work with Bear Cottage as part of a graded charity-focused task. 

These ongoing contributions are part of the ICMS community’s dedication to making a meaningful impact.  

Superhero Day 2025

This year’s Superhero Day was no exception to the ICMS and Bear Cottage tradition of creating magical, family-friendly experiences.  

With a packed lineup of activities, there was something for everyone to enjoy.  

Kids delighted in face painting, rides on the teacups carousel and ferris wheel, and up-close encounters at the petting zoo.  

Parents and little ones alike enjoyed visits from the local police, fire, and ambulance teams, while performances by a DJ and dancers added energy and excitement to the event.  

Even the Sea Eagles mascot made an appearance, which brought big smiles to the crowd. 

Food stalls kept everyone well-fed with options ranging from fresh schnitzels and pizza to Krispy Kreme donuts and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.  

With so much to see and do, the event was a massive success—and ICMS played a central role in making it all come together seamlessly.  

ICMS Students Shine

ICMS students continue to be an integral part of Bear Cottage events, and Superhero Day 2025 was no exception.  

From early morning setup to late-night pack-down, students volunteered their time, energy, and enthusiasm to ensure that everything ran smoothly.  

“The ICMS SRC students were absolutely outstanding,” Bear Cottage Community Relations Manager Bronwen Simmons said.  

“They were so enthusiastic and lovely and just got on with things without needing much direction at all. They were there first thing and right until the end.”  

A Partnership That Makes a Difference

ICMS’s ongoing support for Bear Cottage shows just how much can be achieved when a community comes together.  

From hosting events and offering facilities to offering hands-on learning opportunities for its students, ICMS has touched countless lives through this partnership.  

Superhero Day and the broader Superhero Week represent just one chapter in this ongoing story, with ICMS committed to continuing its support well into the future.  

Together, ICMS and Bear Cottage are changing lives one day, and one hero, at a time.  

For more information about Superhero Week and how to get involved, visit the Superhero Week website.