Ronald McDonald House Charities

Every single day, RMHC® NZ is a home-away-from-home for over 100 families, who have to travel across New Zealand for their child’s medical care. When families walk through our doors they come to a safe and supportive space, a place to call home. Where they will find a sense of community and a support network they may not have had before. At Ronald McDonald House® programmes families can find a sense of normalcy away from the beeping machines, a respite during one of the most challenging times in their lives. Our Family Room® programmes make the time spent with a new born in the NICU a little less stressful by giving families a space to take a quick nap or make a cup of tea. Our role is more than just providing accommodation or meals – it’s about creating a bright and hopeful environment where families can find the strength, they need to face each day with hope.

The Grant was to contribute towards our Food Services Manager.  Our wonderful Heath helps the community and corporate groups cook dinner for the families and provides meals throughout the day.  This provides the families with more time to spend with their family while their child is in hospital.

RMHC provides accommodation, meals, and support to families across all communities, nationwide.  Families that stay with RMHC experience improved adherence to treatment by 56%, improves well-being by 26%, and reduces pain, infection, re-admissions, and length of stay. For every $1 invested, there is a $4.80 measurable social return. Annually, we create more than $ 46 million dollars in value.  Having meals cooked for the family, relieves the burden of having to prepare meals after a long day in the hospital.