Ronald McDonald Houses’ National Appeal Day – June 7

30 May 2013

Ronald McDonald Houses’ National Appeal Day – June 7

Street collectors out to raise much-needed funds for charity

Collectors will hit the streets this Friday 7 June for the first ever Ronald McDonald Houses’ National Street Appeal which aims to raise much needed funds for the Houses.

Last year, New Zealand’s three Ronald McDonald Houses provided a home away from home to a total of 4,015 families. With demand for the Houses increasing, funds raised today will help enable even more families to stay together, draw strength for their journey and focus all their energy on what really matters - their child.

The Houses, located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, are built on the simple idea that when a child is in hospital, nothing else matters.

While hospitals look after the medical care of the child, New Zealand’s Ronald McDonald Houses take care of the emotional, practical and financial needs of the family. General Manager of Ronald McDonald House South Island, Emma Jones, says “It is a daily honour for the team here that while we cannot change the medical outcome, we can certainly change the way that families cope with it”.

Jones adds “This week we have reached the milestone of providing 100,000 bed nights of accommodation to almost 2,700 families since opening in 2003. Although we wish that these families had never needed to have stayed with us, we have been immeasurably privileged to support them at such a difficult time”. She proceeds to explain that not many people are aware that the Houses rely on the community for much of its funding.

“Families are never charged for their stay with us. All services of the Ronald McDonald Houses are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses, community groups, grant and other philanthropic bodies”.

“It’s so great to see so many people open both their hearts and their wallets for us today. We’re counting on the Appeal being a success so please give generously to the street collectors on Friday”.

Your local ASB branches are accepting donations and keep a look out for Ronald McDonald House street collectors on Friday June 7 or visit www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.nz/donate.

About Ronald McDonald Houses
Ronald McDonald Houses are three independent charitable Trusts based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

The Houses provide free accommodation and support to families who have needed to travel to these cities when their children require specialist medical treatment not available in their local hospital.

www.rmhsi.org.nz

ENDS

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