Leading health insurer, nib New Zealand, has created a magical Father’s Day experience for one deserving family to launch its partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) New Zealand.

Featuring the Allan family of Whangamata, the initiative saw son Mason (three), daughter Hope (eight) and mum, Diane, given the opportunity to design their perfect day out in celebration of dad, Matt - and bring it to life with the help of nib.

The Allans have been residents of RMHC New Zealand’s Ronald McDonald House® in Auckland on and off for more than two years, since Mason was diagnosed with kidney cancer just before his first birthday. After initially undergoing chemotherapy, Mason ultimately had to have both of his kidneys removed, and now receives dialysis treatment four times a week while he awaits a transplant.

As part of their unforgettable Father’s Day, the family enjoyed an exclusive experience at Snow Planet, a scenic helicopter flight over Auckland, and a special video message from fishing personality, Matt Watson, for fishing-mad dad Matt.

Father, Matt Allan, said, “I was blown away, it was a total surprise! Every Father’s Day is special as long as I’m with my family, but this will definitely be one for the books. We’ve had a difficult couple of years, but the support of RMHC New Zealand has been invaluable - it truly is a ‘home-away-from-home’ and we know none of it would be possible without partners such as nib. Thanks to nib for their support, and for planning such an incredible day for us to enjoy together.”

nib New Zealand General Manager of Direct and Partnerships, Ben Rose, said they were delighted to be able to create such a magical experience for the Allans and give back to the community in a meaningful way.

“nib is committed to supporting the local community and we’re honoured to play a part in making the lives of families staying at the House who deal with unimaginable difficulties, a little easier. RMHC New Zealand do an amazing job of creating a homely environment and we wanted to do something special for a deserving family,” Mr Rose said.

“Parents play an integral part in a child’s health and wellbeing - for parents at the House this is magnified as they battle with their child’s illness. Matt is just one of the many, many incredible fathers in and around RMHC New Zealand who are so deserving of this sort of celebration. We were delighted to be able to create this unique day out for the Allan family and give them the chance to enjoy their absolutely perfect day in celebration of their Dad,” he added.

RMHC New Zealand Chief Executive, Wayne Howett, says the new partnership with nib will provide invaluable support to families in need.

“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with nib and for their contribution in giving the Allan family such a memorable day. For a child going through treatment, it’s important for families to have positive, happy experiences. The opportunity to enjoy time together as a family is sometimes the best medicine,” Mr Howett said.

nib’s partnership will help RMHC New Zealand continue to offer invaluable support to over 3,700 families each and every year when their child is in a hospital away from home. This helps to take care of practical things like paying for a place to sleep near the hospital and cooking family meals, so families can cope better and focus on the needs of their child.

To view the Father’s Day clip visit nib New Zealand’s Facebook page, or for more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities, visit www.rmhc.org.nz.

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