When Ronald McDonald House Randwick first opened its doors in 1991, our mission was simple: provide families with a safe, nurturing ‘home away from home’ while children received treatment in Sydney. This mission has evolved and expanded over the years, providing wider-reaching support and achieving greater impact for those who need it most.
Our House in Randwick is a ‘home away from home’ for families required to travel to Sydney for critical medical treatment, but it doesn’t stop there. RMHCS operates two Family Rooms embedded within Sydney Children’s Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital. These spaces provide parents, carers and siblings with respite during long days spent at the bedside of a seriously ill child.
Additionally, RMHCS provides educational assistance for children with serious illnesses, helping them catch up on missed learning following lengthy absences from school through our Learning Program which offers comprehensive assessment, therapy and tuition with qualified professionals.
RMHCS is also proud to have Wilbur, our House dog, who continues to provide a welcome distraction to those staying in our House. For so many of our families, they aren't just away from loved ones and friends, they no longer have access to family pets. This is just another opportunity for RMCHS to provide some familiarity while away from home.
About the Home for Dinner program
Parents and carers often return to our House in Randwick after long days spent at Hospital bedside, and cooking dinner may be the last thing on their minds. Helping alleviate the stress and financial strain felt by our families, our Home for Dinner program provides mid-week relief and support for our families while confronted with extraordinary medical challenges in an unfamiliar city.
Sourcing ingredients and preparing a homemade dinner goes a long way in easing the pressure for our families, giving them a well-deserved ‘night off’.
Partnership with Merivale
In 2019, RMHCS has partnered with Sydney’s leading hospitality group, Merivale, to deliver a truly unique Home for Dinner experience for both our volunteers and families. Chef-selected seasonal menus will ensure exceptional mealtime experiences for all involved, based upon personal favourites and restaurant-inspired dishes. Just when we thought our Home for Dinner program couldn’t get any more special, Merivale has helped RMHCS raise the bar!
Schedule
8.00am – 2.00pm Food delivered to Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney
4:00 pm Volunteer arrival | Sign in
4:15 pm RMHCS Tour
4:25 pm RMHCS Kitchen Overview
4:30 pm Start Cooking!
6:15 pm Cutlery, utensils, napkins, paper plates and cups displayed for use
6:25 pm Begin transferring food to serveware and platters
6:30 pm Dinner is served!
7:30 pm Excess food put into containers and clean up
8:00 pm Volunteers depart