Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia

📣 CEO Walk In My Shoes Announcement 📣

RMHC North Australia is proud to announce Santo Spinella from Ray White Townsville as our first registered participant for CEO Walk In My Shoes on the 31st of October, 2024. Santo and his business have been long time supporters of our Chapter for many years, but his personal journey with his own son deepened his understanding of the vital support we provide. To support Santo, visit his fundraising link below 👇
https://www.ceowalkinmyshoes.org.au/fundraisers/santospinella

Contact us today to find out how you can join this exclusive experience and help raise much-needed funds for North Australian children and their families. ❤

A heartfelt thank you to Sacca Heavy Repairs for renewing their generous sponsorship of the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital. 🙌

The Family Room provides more than just a break from the clinical setting of the hospital; it's a sanctuary where families can find comfort, normalcy, and strength as they navigate their child's medical journey. ❤ In 2023 alone, 1,443 families from the Mackay and surrounding region benefitted from this vital program.

Thank you, Sacca Heavy Repairs, for making a difference and helping us continue to support families when they need it most!

CALLING ALL CEO's- Do you have what it takes to walk in their shoes? 💼👟

RMHC North Australia is proud to announce our involvement in . We're inviting CEO's, Directors, General Managers and Board Members to take place in this unique, 23-hour immersive experience where you will live 'a day in the life', experiencing first-hand the emotional and physical challenges our North Australian families face when their child requires urgent treatment away from home.

This isn't just about seeing what we do- it's about truly understanding the life-changing impact of our 5 practical care programs, from providing a bed to creating a community that stands with families during their toughest times. ❤️

📅 Event Date: October 31st, 2024

Will you answer the call? Register yourself, or nominate a colleague by tagging them below. To find out more and secure your participation, contact Sarah Jones on 0428 000 987, or at [email protected].

Happy Birthday to our incredible Community Ambassador, Glenn Minty Mintern! 🍰🎉

Minty, thank you for everything you do to support Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia. From getting involved in our fundraising events, hosting our Charity Gala, to advocating for our programs and more, your dedication and passion makes such a difference for the families we serve.

We hope you have an amazing day filled with all the joy you so generously bring to others! 🧡

Discover the joy of volunteering and become an everyday superhero in Mackay! 🦸‍♂️

We are on the lookout for passionate volunteers to join our incredible team at the Ronald McDonald Family Room and RMHC Hospitality Cart at Mackay Base Hospital.

There are multiple, flexible shifts available- all you need is a heart for helping families in need. 💛

Are you ready to make a difference? Contact Emily Doran-Smith at 📞 0460 667 367 or 📧 [email protected] for more info, or apply directly through the link below:

👉 https://bit.ly/RMHCNAVolunteer

Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia RMHC North Australia improves the health and well-being of seriously ill children and their families

What an incredible achievement! 🏃‍♂️

A huge thank you to the 2024 McDonald's Townsville Running Festival, the amazing competitors, dedicated volunteers, event coordinators, and McDonald's for helping to raise over $18,000 for RMHC North Australia. 👏❤

This generous contribution will go directly towards supporting families in North Australia with a sick or injured child, providing them with the care, comfort, and accommodation they need during some of the toughest times in their lives.

Together, we are making a difference for families when they need it most. ✨

Today is R U OK day. 💛

At RMHC North Australia, we understand the power of a simple question. Families staying with us are often facing challenging times while undergoing their child's medical journey, and emotional well-being is JUST as important as physical health.

R U OK Day reminds us that checking in on each other can make a world of difference. Whether it's offering a kind word, a listening ear, or a safe space, we are committed to supporting families through their most difficult moments.

Let's take a moment to reach out to someone today and ask them, "Are you okay?" Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community. 🫂

A huge thank you to the Team from Coca-Cola for visiting Ronald McDonald House and participating in a 'Meals from the Heart' corporate volunteering experience recently. The Team had a blast honing their culinary skills, resulting in a plethora of nutritious, ready-made meals, packaged and waiting for our families to grab as needed. 🍝❤

On this day in 2004, our doors opened with a mission to provide comfort and care to families with sick or injured children. In the 20 years since, we have had the privilege of supporting 8,218 families, providing 120,505 nights of accommodation, and welcoming 8,876 patients during their most challenging times.

This incredible milestone wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of our amazing community, volunteers, and staff. ❤

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us today. Here's to another 20 years of Keeping Families Close when they need it most! 🙌

Happy Birthday!

Happy 20th Birthday Ronald McDonald House, Townsville! On the 9th of September, 2004, our doors opened with a mission to provide comfort and care to families with sick or injured children. In the 20 years since, ...

Don't forget, applications for the Charlie Bell Scholarship are now open! 📚✏️

Learn more about how to apply for this scholarship today 👇
https://www.rmhc.org.au/charlie-bell-scholarships

🐻 Teddy bears, tea parties, and a whole lot of fun! 🐻

This week, our Learning Legends, Sandra and Suzie, hosted a beary special Teddy Bears Picnic at both Ronald McDonald House and the Family Room at Townsville University Hospital. 🧸✨

Teddy bear picnics are more than just fun- they offer kids a chance to escape into world of imagination and joy, bringing smiles and creating cherished moments for families during tough times. The kids enjoyed arts and crafts, special bear bikkies, and lots of laughs, of course! A huge thanks to Sandra and Suzie for making this day un-bear-lievably special! 🐾❤️

A heartfelt thank you to Donohues for renewing their Adopt-a-Room sponsorship at Ronald McDonald House. Your continued support ensures that North Australian families have a comfortable, caring place to stay close to their little ones during tough times. 🚪❤

There are still room sponsorships available! To learn more, contact our Community Engagement Executive, Narrisha, at 0439 376 467 or [email protected]

On September 9th, 2004, Ronald McDonald House in Townsville opened its doors, and for two decades, we have had the honour of being a 'home away from home' for countless families. As we celebrate our 20th birthday, we reflect on the incredible journey we've shared with our community. 🏠

From the first family that walked through our doors to the many who have found comfort and care since then, this milestone is a testament to the power of compassion and support. Our special 20-year site is now live, featuring a timeline of our history, a gallery showcasing the transformation of our facilities, and some heartfelt stories from the families we have the privilege of supporting.

So, take a walk down memory lane and see the impact that has only been possible through the kindness of our community. A huge thank you to our families, supporters, donors, volunteers, and staff- without you, none of this would be possible. ❤ Let's continue making a difference, together!

👉 https://nafundraising.rmhc.org.au/event/rmhcna-20-year-anniversary

From August 10th-16th, our annual 'Help Our Little Heroes' fundraising campaign, in partnership with the dedicated soldiers from 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, brought our community together for an incredible cause. Through pouring rain to blistering sunshine, these incredible soldiers stood by us, raising a staggering $65,000! 🎉

This amazing total translates to over 400 nights of accommodation for North Australian families in need at Ronald McDonald House. We're so grateful for the unwavering and passionate support of 1RAR, who continue to go above and beyond for our families.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous community- every dollar you donated is making a direct impact on the lives of families with a sick or injured child. ❤

Wishing a very Happy Father's Day to all the incredible dad's and father figures who bring strength, love, and support to their families everyday. ❤

At RMHC North Australia, we see first-hand the impact a father's support can have through a family's medical journey. Today, we celebrate your unwavering courage, resilience, and boundless love, and hope you have a day filled with precious moments alongside your loved ones. ✨‍🧍‍♂️

There are dads putting on brave faces this Father's Day There are fathers across North Australia who are putting on brave faces as their children battle serious illness and injury. This Father's Day, consider givi...

👏 A massive congratulations to our winners 👏

We are thrilled to announce the lucky winner of our Ultimate Dad's Day Gift Pack... Alexandra! Alex couldn't wait for Sunday to surprise her partner, Aaron, who is a die-hard North Queensland Toyota Cowboys fan, (he might even have a tattoo to prove it..). What an amazing early Father's Day Gift!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in our raffle. Your support makes a real difference for North Australian families with a sick or injured child. ❤

A team of our amazing RMHC North Australia Volunteers extended their support recently for the World Triathlon Multisport Championships 2024 Townsville 🚴🏊‍♀️

This incredible event welcomed around 3,000 competitors from across the world to our beautiul piece of paradise here in North Queensland 🌴☀️Congratulations to all involved in this wonderful event and all of the dedicated volunteers who helped make it possible 👏

⭐WIN the Ultimate Dad's Day Gift Pack this Father's Day!⭐

🏈2024 NQ Cowboys football
🧦RMHC North Australia socks
AND
🤩 Personally signed 2024 NQ Cowboys jersey including outgoing Cowboys Valentine Holmes, Kyle Feldt and RMHC North Australia Community Ambassador, Jake Granville.

All funds raised directly support North Australian families with sick and injured children when they need it most.

Tickets are just $5 each at https://nafundraising.rmhc.org.au/raffle/rmhcnafathersday

Entries close 2pm Friday, 30th August 2024. Winner will be contacted via phone and annouced on RMHC NA social platforms

Raffle

A huge shoutout to the incredible Donohues Team! ✨

Their ongoing support through our 'Meals from the Heart' initiative has been nothing short of amazing. Back in May, they set a record by preparing 172 individual, ready-made meals for our families, ensuring there is always something nutritious available when it's needed most. But last week, the Team came back and smashed that record, preparing an astounding 211 meals! 🤯👏 We could not be more grateful!

Think your corporate team can beat their record? We'd love to see you try! Get involved and make a difference. For more information on how to book your team in for a 'Meals from the Heart' corporate volunteering experience, please contact our Community Engagement Executive, Narrisha, at 0439 376 467 or [email protected].

Together we can continue to provide love and support to families in need. ❤

A huge thank you to DGH Engineering for their unwavering generosity in the Mackay region. Their sponsorship of both the RMHC Hospitality Cart and the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital ensures that families facing challenging times have bedside support and a comforting place to rest and recharge. 🛋

Together we are . ❤

Our RMHC North Australia family has grown again! 😍

Join us in giving a very warm welcome to Nikita, the newest member of our Community Engagement Team. Nikita brings with her a wealth of experience! Her love for the outdoors, fitness, and travelling have taken her on incredible adventures, including an 8-month caravan journey across Australia.

As a mother of two, Nikita has a deeply personal connection to our mission, having spent time at Ronald McDonald House in Melbourne following the birth of her son. She's excited now to give back to the community that once supported her own family, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her share her passion and experience with us. Welcome to the team, Nikita! 💛

📚Happy Book Week from the team at RMHC North Australia!✨

Our staff and volunteers had a blast dressing up as beloved characters today. At RMHC North Australia, we know that stories are more than just words on a page- they're a source of strength and hope for the families and children we support. Many of our families share their own powerful stories with us, and this week, we're celebrating the books that spark imagination and bring comfort during challenging times.

Let's keep the magic of storytelling alive! Share your favourite book with us below 👇📖

Meet baby Sonny! His proud parents, Alby (pictured) and Adelaide, first stayed with us in 2021 when they were expecting their daughter, Flora. Flora, diagnosed with Pierre Robin Syndrome and a cleft palate, has since returned to Ronald McDonald House 6 times for multiple surgeries and reviews, and is a much loved ray of sunshine each and every stay! 🌻

We are overjoyed to celebrate the safe arrival of little Sonny, and wish this beautiful family safe travels back to Cloncurry. Welcome to the world, Sonny! 💛

Dream big, achieve bigger! 👩‍🔬👮‍♀️

Applications are now OPEN for the Charlie Bell Scholarship. If you're between 15-20 years old and have been treated for illness or injury, this is your chance to turn your dreams into reality. Whether you are headed to university, TAFE, or plan on studying elsewhere, we want to help you get there!

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity- apply today and take the first step towards your future. 📚
https://www.rmhc.org.au/charlie-bell-scholarships

Today is the last day our incredible 1 RAR soldiers will be out in the community, raising vital funds to support families with ill or injured children. They've braved the rain, enjoyed the sunshine, and given their all to Help Our Little Heroes, but now they need your support more than ever. 💪

You can still make a difference! Whether you encounter our soldiers at a McDonald's drive-thru or local shopping centre, or choose to donate online, every dollar helps provide comfort and care to families facing tough times. ❤

Donate online now: https://nafundraising.rmhc.org.au/helpourlittleheroes2024

1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment

It's official! Tomorrow, August 15th, Ross and Tim will set off on their epic 50+km paddleboard adventure from The Strand, around Magnetic Island, and back. 🏝 After patiently waiting for the perfect weather, they'll be hitting the water at 6am, ready to take on this 10-hour endurance challenge- all in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia. ❤

We're incredibly grateful for their dedication and determination to help families in need. You can follow their journey in real-time as they go live on Instagram throughout the day. Click the link below to cheer them on and witness their progress:
https://www.instagram.com/fundraising4810/?hl=en ()

Thank you, Ross and Tim, for your unwavering support in making a difference in the lives of so many! 🌊🌊

Join us in welcoming Claire, the new Family Services Assistant at RMHC North Australia! ❤

Claire started her journey with us as a trainee, but her passion for our mission and dedication to supporting families during tough times make her the perfect fit for our team. Claire is excited to officially be a part of the RMHC North Australia family, and we are thrilled to have her on board! 🎉

After two days of pouring rain, today's sunshine and blue skies have brought a new energy to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) Soldiers as they continue their mission to Help Our Little Heroes! 🌤🦸‍♂️

A huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far! You still have until Friday the 16th of August to join in and help make a difference. Your contribution, no matter the amount, helps bring comfort and care to those who need it most. ❤

Donate today:
https://nafundraising.rmhc.org.au/helpourlittleheroes2024

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible candidates from the North Queensland Future Leaders program, designed by Townsville Enterprise, who recently bought their energy to Ronald McDonald House! They hosted a true-blue Aussie BBQ, serving up sausages, homemade rissoles, fresh salads, and a delicious pavlova to top it all off. 😍

Their warmth created a beautiful atmosphere for the families at the House, offering them comfort and a taste of home during challenging times. ❤