SBS Bank helps to keep families close

SBS Bank helps to keep families close at the Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital

For immediate release:

24 May, 2016

This week SBS Bank strengthened its relationship with Ronald McDonald House South Island, signing on to sponsor a room at the Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital and support hundreds of families in need.

SBS Bank is a significant supporter of Ronald McDonald House South Island (RMHSI). Since the relationship between the two began, SBS Bank has helped to provide free accommodation and support to families of children who have had to travel to Christchurch to receive medical treatment.

RMHSI CEO Matthew Mark says he is thrilled SBS Bank have chosen to sponsor a room in the Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital – located moments away from the hospital's Neonatal unit and Children’s ward.

“As an organisation with its heart truly grounded in Southland, it is a privilege to have SBS Bank on board to support our Invercargill facility.

“The unfortunate reality is that need for our services is constant and growing, so we could not do what we do without generous support from an organisation like SBS Bank, who believes in supporting and being part of the community.”

In 2015, RMHSI provided support for more than 1,000 families in its facilities in both Invercargill and Christchurch, and so far this year they have provided accommodation for more than 500 families.

One of those families was Arrowtown mum Loren, who says staying at the Family Room in Invercargill was a godsend after giving birth to premature twin boys Kody and Kade in April.

Now home in Arrowtown with her brand-new duo, partner Shane and two-and-a-half-year- old son Cooper, Loren says she doesn't know what they would have done without the Family Room.

"Being so close to the neonatal unit was amazing, I was giving [the twins] three hourly feeds and I didn't want to leave the hospital.”

SBS Bank General Manager Strategy and Marketing Phil Jamieson says they are delighted to come on board as a room sponsor.

“We already have a strong relationship with Ronald McDonald House South Island through our sponsorship of a room in the Christchurch House so we have a good understanding and appreciation of the time and effort given by all of the team and their many volunteers to families in need.”

“As a member-owned bank, our focus is always on providing value and benefit so we’re looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting involved with the Southland-based team!”

ENDS

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