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When families need to travel hundreds of kilometres from home to get medical treatment for their sick children, it’s an enormously stressful time.

One thing Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney doesn’t want these families to worry about is where they’ll sleep at night.
Each year, the Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney eases the burden of nearly 6,000 families by providing them with accommodation while their sick child receives specialist medical care. 

Most importantly, this accommodation, close to the hospital or within the hospital, is provided free of charge to families in need, ensuring they can focus on the most important thing – their child getting better. 

The dedicated team at Ronald McDonald House Randwick has spent the past three decades helping families who need to travel over 100km from home to receive care for their sick children. 

Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney spokesperson Rob Novotny said the fundraising partnership with Play for Purpose helped keep the lights on at their Sydney accommodation.

"Each year we have over 800 families who live 100km or more away from the hospital stay in the 35 rooms we have available at our Ronald McDonald House in Randwick," he explained.

"These families are provided with these rooms to ease the burden of travelling with their child while they receive treatment. Not only do we provide a place to stay, but we also provide food and support services during their time with us. They don't pay a cent towards the cost of these services. 

"What a lot of people don't know is that we don't get all of our money from McDonald's. While they support us through McHappy Day and other initiatives, they only make up 15% of our fundraising. That is why we must continue to fundraise through other platforms, such as Play for Purpose.

"Play for Purpose provides us with the perfect additional platform to fundraise the $160 a day we need to keep the lights on at our Ronald McDonald House and Family Rooms.

"Every cent of the money we raise through Play for Purpose and other fundraising helps us towards the running of the house – from linen laundering to groceries, and even the gas and electricity. It all goes towards running the house to help keep us open 365 days a year."

As well as providing accommodation services, Ronald McDonald House Charities provides Family Rooms that allow families of those receiving treatment a respite from the clinical environment of the wards. 

"Each year over 5000 families use the Family Rooms we have at three Sydney hospitals," he said.

"These rooms are equipped with refreshment facilities, quiet spaces to rest and recharge and dedicated play areas for siblings and family members.

"Our fundraising contributes to making sure these rooms are stocked with food, fresh bed linen, clean shower facilities and entertainment for family members.”

To find out more about Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney visit Play for Purpose.

If you’re thinking of giving back to causes close to your heart, Play for Purpose might be just the ticket – and the next draw closes soon! Find out more about Play for Purpose here.