Paediatric oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans founded Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Philadelphia 50 years ago. Dr Evans recognised that “a family with a sick child is a sick family,” and she built a family-centred care model around this strongly held belief, which continues today.

McDonald’s became the Founding Mission Partner by helping raise funds to establish the very first Ronald McDonald House.

In 1981, Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney (RMHC GWS) opened Australia’s first Ronald McDonald House in Camperdown, Sydney. Today, RMHC GWS is one of 18 houses nationwide, offering essential services and comprehensive support to over 2,500 families with sick and injured children each year.

A child’s illness can devastate a family financially, psychologically and emotionally. So, it’s our ongoing mission to deliver essential services and holistic support proven to benefit overall wellbeing.

Alongside the critical “home-away-from-home” in Westmead, RMHC GWS offers a Day Pass Program for families with patients at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Hospitality Carts for the NICU at Nepean Hospital, the Children’s Ward at Campbelltown Hospital, and the Ronald McDonald Learning Program.

It costs RMHC GWS approximately $160 to support one family per night.

Every person who donates to our Christmas Appeal via https://gwsfundraising.rmhc.org.au/RydeChristmas before Friday, 13th December, will enter a draw for a chance to join RMHC GWS at the House for a special Christmas morning tea and craft session with families on Monday, 23rd December, from 10 – 11:30 am.

Each of the 10 winners may bring up to 3 guests to this festive event.

This gathering offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on families with sick and injured children at Westmead and to bring children along to experience the spirit of community support during the holiday season.