What does Ronald McDonald House South Island do?
Where is Ronald McDonald House?
Are only kids with cancer allowed to stay in the House?
How much does it cost us to stay in the House?
Is the House owned by McDonalds?
How did Ronald McDonald Houses get started?
Where do the families who stay in the House come from?
How can I help raise money for the House?
Who works in the House?
What other ways does the House get funding to operate?
How can I find out more information about the House?

What does Ronald McDonald House South Island do?
The mission of the House is to provide FREE support and accommodation to families of children with illnesses that require hospital treatment in Christchurch.

As at the 23 June 2008, Ronald McDonald House South Island had provided more than 47,500 nights of accommodation to 1,266 families on 2,364 separate visits.

Where is Ronald McDonald House?
The House is located at 33 Cashel Street, on the corner of Cashel and Montreal Streets, Christchurch. It is only a couple of minutes walk from Christchurch Public and Women’s Hospitals.

Are only kids with cancer allowed to stay in the House?
No, the House is open to families whose children need to come to Christchurch for care and treatment that they cannot get in their own area. Some of the treatments include surgery, investigative, ante and neo natal treatment where there is a problem with the baby. Latest statistics show families have stayed in the House because their child required treatment for the following reasons:

  • Surgery - 32%
  • Cancer/Haemophilia - 14%
  • Medical/Respiratory - 14%
  • Neo/Ante-natal - 18%
  • Invest/Misc - 9%
  • Congenital/Cystic Fibrosis - 3%
  • Neurology - 4%
  • Renal/Kidney/Liver - 3%
  • Burns - 2%
  • Spina Bifida - 1%

How much does it cost us to stay in the House?
There is no charge for families staying in Ronald McDonald House South Island. In some cases a contribution from the Ministry of Health via the Travel and Accommodation Scheme is received. However, families must be eligible and have applied for this prior to their stay.

Is the House owned by McDonalds?
No. McDonald has no direct connection to the Houses. However, there is a link:

All McDonalds Restaurant franchisee owners have Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) as their chosen charity with funding from every Happy Meal going to the charity as well as money from their in-house money boxes.

(RMHC) is an independent charity with its own Board of Trustees and staff whose global mission is to improve child health. One of the ways they do this is by providing seed funding and ongoing financial support to Ronald McDonald Houses internationally.

RMHC New Zealand paid for the land the Christchurch House is built on. They are our naming rights sponsor and provide the policies for the establishing and running of the Houses as well as providing annual financial assistance to the operational costs. To find out more about Ronald McDonald House Charities, click here.

How did Ronald McDonald Houses get started?
What began as one family's misfortune became good fortune for millions of families worldwide. In 1974, Kim Hill, the 3-year old daughter of Philadelphia Eagles tight-end Fred Hill, was diagnosed with leukaemia. During Kim’s three years of treatment, Fred and his wife Fran often camped out on hospital chairs and benches and ate makeshift meals out of vending machines.

The Hills watched other parents around them doing the same thing. They learned that many of the families had travelled great distances to bring their children to the medical facility, but couldn't afford hotel rooms.

The Hills began to think that there had to be a solution. Fred rallied the support of his Eagles team mates to raise funds and help other families experiencing the same emotional and financial traumas as his own. Through Jim Murray, the Eagles general manager, the team offered its support to Dr. Audrey Evans, head of the paediatric oncology unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Evans dreamed of a home-like temporary residence for families of children being treated at her hospital. Together, they created the first Ronald McDonald House. That first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974.

By 1979, ten more Houses had opened. By 1984, McDonald’s restaurants and local communities founded 60 more Houses; then 53 more opened by 1989. Today, there are more than 277 Ronald McDonald Houses in 31 countries around the world.

Where do the families who stay in the House come from?

  • Canterbury - 14%
  • Nelson Marlborough - 16%
  • Otago - 12%
  • South Canterbury - 14%
  • Southland - 17%
  • West Coast - 21%
  • Other (North Island and overseas) - 6%

How can I help raise money for the House?
There are a number of ways that people can help Ronald McDonald House South Island: donating money, goods (like pantry/cleaning items), volunteering, holding an event to raise funds for the House eg. mufti day, charity dinner, fun run movie night etc. The possibilities are endless! Contact the House for more information.

Who works in the House?
At present, there is the equivalent of 6 full time staff working at RMHSI. These roles encompass:

  • CEO
  • House Operations Coordinator
  • Fundraising and Communications Manager
  • Business Club Manager
  • Fundraising and Communications Coordinator
  • Receptionists (2 job share)
  • Accounts
  • Housekeeper
  • After Hours Supervisor

The remaining work is done by volunteers. We have over 60 volunteers (vollies) who contribute daily to the running of the House. Their duties entail:

  • After hours supervisors
  • Over night assistants
  • Administration
  • Cleaning
  • Fundraising
  • Baking
  • Gardening
  • Family dinner Programme – groups come into the House and cook a meal for the families.

What other ways does the House get funding to operate?
The House requires a significant amount of money to keep the doors open. We source our funding a number of ways:

  • RMHC annual grant – based on number of family units
  • Trusts and Grants
  • Ronald McDonald House South Island Business Club – businesses who support the House via annual cash and/or contra donations
  • Just a Buck – people donate a regular amount from each pay packet
  • Donations - the community who donate money or who hold events to raise money for the House
  • Events - In-house events eg street appeal, The Supper Club
  • Bequests

How can I find out more information about the House?
Through our quarterly newsletters, Annual Report, and our website. If you would like to receive our newsletter, please email Jackie/Christine.

official website
sponsor of RMHSI,
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