All Hands on Deck to Keep Families Close

All Hands on Deck to Keep Families Close

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) soldiers are set to take over Ronald McDonald House South Island on Thursday, April 28, to move 26 brand-new mattresses into the premises, giving families a comfortable place to rest their heads.

Donated by Sealy New Zealand, the new queen bed mattresses will replace old mattresses in the 26-room Ronald McDonald House South Island (RMHSI) facility in Christchurch.

RMHSI CEO Matthew Mark says he is blown away by the generosity of both Sealy and NZDF in their support of the project.

“With the number of families we serve there is a practical toll that is taken on the furnishings, and while we’ve managed to make our current beds last more than 13 years, they have now very much reached the end of their usable life.

“There is however a logistical challenge to make this changeover happen with precision and ease, which is why it is fantastic to be able to partner with the NZDF.”

Officer Commanding, Southern Regional Support Centre Major Nikki Gardner says: “The New Zealand Defence Force has a strong sense of community, borne of its own commitment to developing strong and connected families.

“To be able to contribute to a cause (Ronald McDonald House) which is all about keeping families connected, is a real privilege for us and allows us to contribute both positively and meaningfully to the wider Christchurch community,” says Major Gardner.

Last year, Ronald McDonald House South Island provided a home away from home for more than 1,000 families, enabling kiwi whanau to be strong together and focus on what really matters – helping their child heal.

While hospitals look after the medical care of the child, RMHSI facilities take care of the emotional, practical and financial burdens of the family.

“This is because we believe that when families are together, they heal better,” says Matthew.

“Our facilities are there to bring some normality and support to families during a time of great need.”

Not only can those that need to travel to Christchurch Hospital for their children’s treatment stay at the House, the addition of the Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital in 2013 means that families with children on the neo natal and children’s wards at the Hospital can be supported closer to home.

“Although we wish that families never needed to stay with us, there is an ongoing need for our services,” says Matthew, who added both facilities often run at full capacity.

“Not many people are aware that we rely on the support of the public, businesses and volunteers to operate our facilities -- without community support our work would not be possible.”

-ENDS-

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