Wellingtonians Dig Deep For Families And Children

Ronald McDonald House
Wellington

Wellingtonians dig deep for the Central Region's families and children

300 of Wellington's leading business people and socialites dined at Wellington's top restaurants on Tuesday night to raise much-needed funds for the Central Region's Ronald McDonald House.

Close to $50,000 was raised for the House through ticket sales and auction items at the Supper Club event - Ronald McDonald House Wellington's largest fundraising event of the year, and a record for the Supper Club event.

Ronald McDonald House Wellington (RMHW) Executive Director Lesley Slieker said the result is a real win for families of seriously ill children in this region. Mrs Slieker said that 428 families stayed at RMHW in 2006. Families aren't charged to stay at the House so funding is vital to keep the House running, she said.

Located directly across the road from Wellington Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Wellington (RMHW) provides a temporary 'home away from home' for the families of seriously ill children and premature babies in the Manawatu, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Horowhenua, Wairarapa, Kapiti, Wellington, Tasman and Nelson.

"Families are already under significant stress without the additional worry of finding the money to pay for their accommodation. Events like the Supper Club mean we can keep our doors open to more families," Mrs Slieker said.

15 year old Alex Kilpin of Dannevirke attended the Supper Club and gave a speech of thanks to the restaurants and individuals that contributed to the event. Alex was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's T-cell lymphoma and stayed in the House with his family for over 3 months.

Alex said the House played an important part of his recovery by allowing him to relax with his family away from the hospital.

"Sick children like me need a special place like this so we feel less homesick and can escape from the hospital. We can hang out with our family, play X-Box and Playstation and there are lots of games. Or, if you feel grotty, you can just lie in bed and watch TV," said Alex.

Mrs Slieker said that while funds raised at the Supper Club are critical, the House requires ongoing support from business and the community.

"The House has touched families in all parts of the central region and we want to be able to support as many families as possible in the future. It's heart breaking having to turn people away so ongoing support is so important," she said.

ENDS

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