Message from Michelle
It's been a busy couple of months here at RMHC!
In the month of November, we had both our Red Wig Challenge and our Meet the Makers event which helped us raise over $134,000! Thank you to all the supporters who contributed to the success of these events, and of course coming out of lockdown we hope you have been able to enjoy some time with the loved ones you haven't been able to see.
One of the joys of being involved with RMHC is meeting the families that use our Programs and learning about their stories. This month, you'll read about Emma, Dan and little Ned who were with us last Christmas and have kindly shared their story to remind us all about what Ronald McDonald House does when you can't be at home.
With summer on the way, we are looking forward to welcoming many families to our Family Retreat for a well-deserved break.
With Christmas fast approaching, I wanted to simply say thank you. Your support over the last 12 months through all the challenges has meant that we have been able to continue to keep our doors open, provide families with vital support and deliver our Mission to as many people as possible.
Our very best wishes for a safe and happy Christmas with your loved ones, and I look forward to sharing some exciting news about our 10th Birthday in our next edition.
Michelle
Executive Officer
Ronald McDonald House Charities
ACT & South East NSW
“If you are donating your money to Ronald McDonald House, it is definitely going to a good cause” says Dan, “We’re proof."
"We come from a small country town, we’re not city people, and everyone who has donated to make this place here and actually available for not only country people but for everybody to use, is an absolute credit to people. I couldn’t be sincere enough about it. It’s a real family environment here, everything’s family focused, to keep your family together,” says Ned's Dad, Dan, as the House allowed the family the opportunity to stay close to their other two children, Jesse (5) and Archie (3), while Ned underwent life saving surgery within days of his birth.
By making a donation today, you're not only making a difference for the families that rely on Ronald McDonald House but you will also be contributing to keeping families together this Christmas.
Thank you!
We would like to thank everyone that got out in November and donated in the Red Wig Challenge and went the distance by walking, riding or gliding in groups or as individuals to raise much needed funds.
Because of all of you, we raised $8,867 which is 67 nights of accommodation to support families staying with us.
Over 1,400Kms were logged and without the amazing participants, their supporters and our sponsors, we couldn’t have achieved such an amazing result!
A big shout out goes to all our supporters.
Stay tuned next year when we take the Challenge to another level and incorporate a bike ride down to the coast and a 24 hour Tennis Challenge.
We held our annual Meet the Makers event this year at The Boathouse where we showcased wine from local wineries around Canberra. Thanks to Geocon and the guests on the night we raised over $125,000 to help us continue supporting families with seriously ill children using our Programs.
If you would like to register your interest in 2022, email your request to: events.canberra@rmhc.org.au
Meet Kristi Adams
Recently we asked one of our volunteers, Kristi about her 'Why' and here's what she had to say!
Why do you volunteer at RMHC?
Volunteering and becoming part of the community has always been an important part in finding balance with military service. My now five-year-old twins spent some time in the NICU / SCN when they were born, so I understand how important it is to be near-by the hospital during those times. Ronald McDonald house does an amazing job keeping those families together, so it was an easy choice for me when I was choosing an organisation to spend some time with. The staff in the house have always been extremely supportive too, providing flexibility and opportunities that have been the perfect fit for me.
What do you experience on any given shift?
I have been fortunate enough to be able to do house elf, cooking, wrapped in love, family room and night owl shifts. Starting on house elf shifts gave me an opportunity to learn everything about the house and to meet the families, learning about their many different circumstances that bought them all together in the house at that time. The family room is also a great place to connect with families and offer that much needed cup of tea and set of ears. At the moment, the night owl shift is a great fit for me, as I can help with dinners or cleaning and stocking the house and then still squeeze some study in later in the evening before bed.
What reward to you like getting out of volunteering?
Probably the most rewarding part of volunteering has been the reactions from family and children when doing wrapped in love. The children’s relief when they realize you aren’t there for more medical treatments or check-ups, and parents’ relief when you have given their child something new to focus on and looked beyond the medical conditions to interact with them.
I have had many friends and family provide support to the house by donating pantry items, or special treats and lots of activities for the wrapped in love trolly, which has made my volunteering even more special.
Tomakin Sports Club generously supports the families that stay in our Family Retreat at Batemans Bay by donating a $100 dinner voucher for every family staying with us.
Spinify founder, Matt Bullock, and his wife Wendy, have been huge supporters to RMHC since we opened. Since 2012, Wendy has been regularly volunteering in our House, and with their generous donations throughout the year we have been able to provide significant upgrades to our House and Family Room.
We couldn't do what we do without our incredible sponsors and supporters - through their generosity, compassion and commitment, we can continue to provide meals, programs, prizes, accommodation and comfort to seriously ill and injured children and their families when they need it most. Thank you!
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From all of us at Ronald McDonald House Charities ACT & South East NSW, we wish you a very happy Christmas with your loved ones, and a healthy and safe New Year.
We look forward to celebrating our 10th Birthday with you all next October!
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