Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ is putting out a call for help as record numbers of Kiwis are expected to need support over the holiday season.
While most Kiwi families will be booking their holidays, preparing their festive menus, and planning their gifts under the tree, this year Christmas is going to look very different for hundreds of families across New Zealand, it says.
Each year, the charity welcomes thousands of families with children who are ill or injured, who need life-saving treatment or surgery.
It becomes a “home‑away‑from‑home”, taking care of the practical matters in life so families can focus on what matters most – their child.
But this doesn’t just stop when the rest of the country storms to a halt to celebrate the holiday season.
In 2023 alone, more than 500 families stayed at one of the charity’s facilities across New Zealand through the holiday period between December and January, and it expects it will support just as many, if not more families this year.
Chief executive Wayne Howett says the team put in an enormous amount of effort to turn the Houses into festive grottos with Santa, elves, good food, and wrap-around support for families in need.
“We don’t want families to miss out on the festive season while they’re away from home, so our team and volunteers go all out over Christmas to bring a little cheer.
“However, we’re fully aware the families and kids staying with us would much rather be enjoying their summer break away from the hospital.
“It can be a really tough time to be away from home with a sick child, and we want to make sure the families have the support they need.”
Over the past few years, demand for the charity’s services has significantly risen.
This year there’s no sign of demand slowing down, with it expecting to operate at maximum capacity across all of its Houses.
Howett has concerns it may not be able to keep up with demand in the coming years.
“The numbers from the past 12 months are a staggering reminder of how much work it takes to keep the wheels turning at RMHC NZ and provide help to everyone in need, but they may not be enough in the near future.
“If we were to start turning away families, it’s the children who would be impacted the most. In fact, they could miss out entirely on the treatment they so desperately need.
“Having a child who’s ill or injured impacts the whole family, and it can be even harder over the holiday season.
“Unlike most Kiwis who can take a break over the summer, sickness doesn’t take a holiday, and neither will we.”
In 2023, Kiwi families saved a staggering $9,876,204 in accommodation, food, and parking costs due to the help provided by RMHC NZ.
“None of this would be possible without the support of Kiwis and businesses who donate to RMHC NZ,” Howett says.
“Every year, they make a tangible difference to families who don’t have the privilege of just getting away from it all.
“This summer we’re asking Kiwis to consider adding the gift of a night at RMHC NZ to the Christmas shopping list, to help ensure we can provide support for every family in need.”
To support Kiwi families this Christmas, donate to RMHC NZ today online to https://rmhc.org.nz/give/.
