What is a Ronald McDonald
House?
A Ronald McDonald House
offers a 'home-away-from-home' for the families of seriously ill
children who are undergoing medical treatment at nearby medical facilities.
This allows families to stay together in a homelike environment at a fraction of the cost of
a motel room, for as long as they need to , therby helping to preserve the family unit in the
midst of physical, emotional and economic adversity.
Ronald McDonald House also offers parents the chance to draw hope and comfort from other
amilies in similar situations.
Our
Mission
Our aim is to provide a safe, secure and supportive home away from home for seriously ill
children and their families during their time of need
Background
The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia, USA in 1974, from the efforts
of a family whose 3 year old daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia. McDonald’s in
Philadelphia was contacted for support to create a House, a place where families could
stay together and share with other families facing a common crisis.
Local contractors donated their services and together with help from other parents,
volunteers, McDonald’s franchisees, Doctors and donors constructed the first house.
They all decided to name it Ronald McDonald House because Ronald represented fun,
happiness and trust for children.
Our House, at Herston, was opened in September 1995 and following extensions in 2002
we are able to accommodate 51 families, each with their own room. Currently, we are the
largest Ronald McDonald House in the
southern hemisphere.
Funding
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) supports Ronald McDonald Houses in Australia and other programs which directly help seriously ill children live happier healthier lives. RMHC is a registered tax exempt Charity and deductible gift recipient and is registered as a charitable fundraiser in all states and territories in Australia
McDonald’s pays 100% of the General and Administration costs of RMHC so 100 cents in every dollar donated goes directly to RMHC’s Programs (such as Ronald McDonald House).
Each Ronald McDonald House Entity (12) is a registered charity with a local Board, fundraises its own right and is licensed by RMHC. The majority of families receive some State rural travel and accommodation assistance.
Since 1985 RMHC has provided grants to Ronald McDonald Houses totalling over $15.8 million. The operating costs of the Houses are met through operational funding.
McDonald’s Australia Limited pays for all of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) administrative expenses. To generate funds for RMHC and its programs, monies collected by McDonalds are distributed by Ronald McDonald House Charities Trust to the twelve Houses throughout Australia to help meet the capital commitments of each House. These funds are in the form of a grant or an interest free loan.
McDonalds Australia Limited and franchisees also leverage their considerable resources to implement national and local promotions. They utilize their restaurants, advertising dollars, packaging, and crew to create customer awareness and support. They also sponsor local events, such as golf tournaments and galas held within the community.
There are 51 rooms at RMH Herston with a nightly operating cost of $40.00 per room. The various State Governments reimburse $30.00 per occupied room per night through a Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.
Our lifeblood is the support and partnerships created with both business and community without which we could not provide the level of support for families that we do.
We are also funded through
generous donations from businesses,
community groups and individuals.
Management
A Voluntary Community Board of
Management overseas the running and administration of the House.
3 x McDonald's Corporation representatives
3 x Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Representatives
4 x Community and Supporting organization representatives.
The Executive Director oversees the day-to-day operations of the House supported by staff andVolunteers.
Board
of Directors
| |
Committee Members
|
| Chairman |
Doug McLeod |
| Vice Chairman |
Erica Clydsdale |
| Secretary |
Annette Greenhow |
| Treasurer |
Brian Shelley
|
| Directors |
Noelle Cridland
Lindsay Stanton
Tony Ward
Jan Hinson
Rod Chiapello |
| Executive Director |
Marie Turner |
Where
do our families come from?
Families are referred to us from over 230 hospitals and health care services throughout Australia. We have also provided a home for families from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Pacific Islands whilst their children were receiving specialist medical treatment.
Tour of the House
Click here to view the Ronald McDonald House, Herston Photo Gallery!
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