Slice of Paradise Helps Dreams of a Family Holiday

Media release

Wednesday 30 May 2007

Slice of Paradise Helps Dreams of a Family Holiday Come True

An idyllic section on the shore of Lake Rotorua is set to become a special haven for kiwi families to relax and enjoy precious moments together with their children.

The announcement comes as the Lions Clubs of District 202I kick off their appeal this week in the Bay of Plenty area, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ, to help raise $830,000 to build the first Ronald McDonald Family Retreat; which will provide families with children who have long-term or serious illness a place to have a break from everyday life when it’s completed next summer.

Sarah Hood, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ says the site was chosen for its location within the heart of pristine Kiwi countryside and because of the huge range of attractions and activities Rotorua has to offer families.

“It’s a beautiful spot which is close to all the tourist attractions including only a short walk to the famous trout fishing spot of Waiteti Stream,” says Ms Hood. “We believe this section is a perfect location for the retreat which will ultimately provide families with a place to build happy memories and relax by taking time out from the cycle of living with illness.”

Around 100 families will use the retreat each year, the first of those being the Ward family* of Wellington. Mother, Carla Ward says a new Ronald McDonald Family Retreat would mean a completely different type of holiday with more home comforts and the ability to plan breaks beyond the warm summer months.

“It’s amazing to think that there are so many families out there who struggle to have holidays, like us. The retreat will allow them to enjoy some normal family life,” says Carla.

The Lions appeal will include various fundraising initiatives across the Bay of Plenty region that will roll out over the coming months. Garry Pavitt, District Governor of Lions District 202I says it is the ‘Year of the Youth’ globally for the Lions and that there is a strong synergy between its goals and that of the Charity.

“Ronald McDonald House Charities aim to help children live happier, healthier lives and this year that’s what we Lions Clubs focusing on. Lions are a community focused group and this is a great opportunity for all our 42 clubs in the district to engage with the community to create something so beneficial for New Zealand,” says Mr Pavitt.

People can make a donation towards the construction of the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat in Rotorua through any branch of the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ).

ENDS

*About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities develops and supports programmes that help children live happier, healthier lives. The cornerstone programme of the charity is the Ronald McDonald Houses where families of seriously ill children stay whilst their child is being treated in hospital. Additionally the charity supports a mobile dental care programme, family rooms in Wellington and Starship Hospitals, and a family Unit in Kidz First Hospital in Auckland. Our principle supporter, McDonald’s, is as passionate about helping children as we are, and their support means that all our administration costs are covered, so all donations we receive are able to be used exclusively for programme funding.

**Ward Family

Nicholas Ward is an eleven year old boy from the Hutt Valley with a fun-loving nature, a quick smile and a gentle manner. He lives in a close knit family with his single-parent mum, Carla, his 13 year old brother, Jamie, and his nine year old sister, Rebekah. Nicholas has a long term illness and the family relish every moment they have together. Though it doesn’t happen very often, they love to get away, leave the daily routine behind and just enjoy a rare holiday together.

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