Smiths City continues in its support of Christchurch

16 December, 2011

Media Release
For Immediate Release


Smiths City continues in its support of Christchurch’s ‘home away from home’


Ronald McDonald House South Island received an early Christmas present this week, with Smiths City generously donating a brand new 55-inch plasma television.

The facility provides free accommodation and support to families that have to travel to Christchurch for their child’s hospital treatment. The House receives no direct Government funding, with the bulk of expenses funded by grants, public donations and corporate sponsorship.

“Smiths City has been a loyal supporter since we first opened in March 2003, and we are extremely grateful for their unwavering generosity,” says Ronald McDonald House South Island General Manager Emma Jones.

“It is humbling to know that organisations like Smiths City continue to stand by the House despite a challenging year in Christchurch. This new television will be a very welcome addition for our families.”

Smiths City Group General Manager, Martin Simcock, said: “Smiths City is very proud to be a Gold Business Club member of Ronald McDonald House South Island.

“The House provides shelter but it also provides so much more – companionship, peer support, professional support to name a few. For this reason we are very pleased to provide whatever tangible support we can to ensure the lives of those using the House – some of whom have been our own staff and their families – are made as comfortable as possible.”

The main wing of the 26-room Ronald McDonald House is undergoing repair work after it was significantly damaged in the February 22 earthquake. The facility is currently able to accommodate families in 13 rooms, and it is hoped that it will return to full capacity by mid-2012.

Since opening in 2003, Ronald McDonald House South Island has provided over 75,000 nights of accommodation to more than 4,000 families from all over New Zealand.

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