News and events
- Xterra Trail Run Series
- Make our children eSMILE this Christmas
- Give and you shall receive — this Christmas at MOTAT
- Victoria Park Tunnel gala dinner
- Auckland Garden Designfest - 19th & 20th November, 2011
- Be a part of history!
- Downtown Rotary and Southern Stars Annual Phone Appeal
- Presidents Cup trophy and Grant Fox visit
- Many miles for Mary
- Look how much we’ve grown!
- We farewell three good sorts
- Move over Masterchef NZ
- Kiwi musicians lend their voices for fundraiser
- Mike casts some dinner magic
- NZ Junior Dragster Champs 2011
- Family dinners come up trumps
- 60 minute lunch with Mike McRoberts
- Kids put their dreams on canvas
Xterra Trail Run Series
Total Sport has chosen to support Ronald McDonald House Auckland with their upcoming annual Trail Run Series. The 7 events will be held between May-October across Auckland at several unique off-road locations including Shakespear Park, Woodhill & Waihi. Catering for all abilities, the Trail Run Series offers a range of courses from short (5-7km) to super long (21km+) for you to walk or run. For every entry registered, Ronald McDonald House Auckland will receive a donation. Check out more details and register online: www.trailrun.co.nz
Give and you shall receive — this Christmas at MOTAT
The generous folk at MOTAT are doing their bit to help families in need this Christmas, donating Christmas gifts to our House as well as the Auckland City Mission.
If you’re in Auckland between 1-24 December why not pop along to MOTAT and purchase a children’s gift for charity from the MOTAT shop in return for FREE admission! All gifts will be collected and donated to the two charities in time for Christmas Day.
To help get you into the festive spirit every Friday, Saturday and Sunday MOTAT are also open from 8pm-11pm where you can see the Victorian Village beautifully lit with Christmas lights, plus there will be live entertainment, tram rides, mulled wine, Christmas treats and much more.
For more information please visit www.motat.org.nz.
Victoria Park Tunnel gala dinner
On the evening of October 27th one thousand guests enjoyed a once in a lifetime experience, dining inside Auckland’s new Victoria Park Tunnel. The gala dinner was held to raise much needed funds for our new House.
The audience was treated to performances from some of New Zealand’s most loved music acts including Avalanche City, Annabel Fay and Lisa Crawley. Guests were also dazzled by a breathtaking floor gymnastics performance by renowned adagio dancers Eve Gordon and Mike Edwards.
All proceeds from the evening have gone towards the completion of our new accommodation facility, Ronald McDonald House Grafton Mews.
“We’re thrilled that in association with NZTA and Downtown Rotary, we had the opportunity to host this event. Not only has it raised much needed funds, but from now on every time people drive through the tunnel they will remember our event and say ‘I was there’,” says Wayne Howett, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Auckland.
Auckland Garden Designfest - 19th & 20th November, 2011
For the first time, 24 of Auckland’s most spectacular residential gardens will be on show from 19-20 November - and for a good cause!
Presented by the Newmarket Rotary and the Garden Design Society of New Zealand, funds raised will go towards supporting Ronald McDonald House Auckland, Canteen and KidsCan.
You can pre-order your tickets at any Palmers Garden Centre across Auckland or online at tickets.gardendesignfest.co.nz for just $40. Gate sales available for $50.
For more information please visit www.gardendesignfest.co.nz - tickets may also be purchased online here but note these ticket sales incur a $7.50 iTicket transaction fee.
Be a part of history!
Your exclusive invite to a Gala dinner.
The NZ Transport Agency in association with Downtown Rotary and Ronald McDonald House Auckland are hosting a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend an exclusive Gala Dinner in the NEW Victoria Park Tunnel (just two days before the official opening).
When: October 27th 2011, 6.30pm
Tickets: $3,500 + GST for a table of 10.
All proceeds go towards our new Grafton Mews facility.
Tickets are strictly limited. To confirm your table please contact Kelly Renata on +64 9 365 8309 or email .
Downtown Rotary and Southern Stars Annual Phone Appeal
Each year the Rotary Club of Downtown Auckland fundraises for Ronald McDonald House Auckland, partnering with Southern Stars Charitable Trust for an annual telephone appeal. This year’s appeal is running from September 12 until November 4, 2011.
Southern Stars is hosting a special production of Santa’s Xmas Adventure being staged at the Logan Campbell Theatre, Greenlane on the December 3, 2011. A percentage of each ticket sale goes directly towards helping our families.
Live theatre provides great education and entertainment for kids. Your support will not only help raise much needed funds for our House, but will also put a smile on the face of every child attending this wonderful show.
This campaign is commissioned by the Rotary Club of Downtown Auckland, one of our trust partners, for the benefit of Ronald McDonald House Auckland and disadvantaged children.
To find out more about the work of Southern Stars please visit their website — www.southernstars.org.nz
Presidents Cup trophy and Grant Fox visit
On 20 July families staying at the House had a rare opportunity to have their photo taken with the prestigious Presidents Cup trophy. As if that wasn’t causing enough of a stir, All Black legend Grant Fox also made a special appearance.
Ronald McDonald Houses both here and abroad have previously benefited from donations by the Presidents Cup. Unlike most sporting events, players do not receive prize money at the Presidents Cup. Instead, the PGA Tour pledges to contribute to charities, which are nominated by the players, captains and captains’ assistants from both teams.
The Presidents Cup trophy was in New Zealand as part of a tour to reach golf fans in advance of the upcoming Presidents Cup, November 15-20 at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia.
For more information on the Presidents Cup Tour go to www.presidentscup.com
Many miles for Mary
On 31st July 2011, four athletes from diverse backgrounds will set off in an attempt to run from Wellington to Auckland in eight days. They do so in memory of a very special lady.
The team of athletes include Shortland Street star, Ido Drent, among a multinational group of runners and support staff. Ido jumped at the chance to take part in this year’s event due to the unique nature of the challenge, coupled with the opportunity to raise much-needed funds for Ronald McDonald House Auckland.
To support the MMfM team and help raise funds for our House please visit www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/mmfm/.
Look how much we’ve grown!
Ronald McDonald House Auckland has come a long way since 1994 when it was just a 10 bedroom facility.
The official opening of its third facility, Ronald McDonald House Grafton Mews, took place during a small ceremony at the Grafton Mews site on Thursday 5 May. Special guests and key supporters of the project were greeted with a powhiri, followed by an unveiling of the plaque by Prime Minister John Key.
The ceremony was a chance to showcase the new facility and acknowledge all those who have been instrumental in the development of the Grafton Mews project to date.
With refurbishment of the first wing completed, Grafton Mews now boasts 18 rooms including two transplant units for immune compromised children, customised disabled rooms, standard rooms, laundry, communal living/dining areas and a playground. The addition of Grafton Mews means the RMH Auckland Trust can now accommodate up to 79 families across its three facilities, while their children receive treatment at Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland.
This has all been made possible due to continued generosity from key trust partners — Auckland District Health Board, Child Cancer Foundation, Heart Children, The Rotary Club of Downtown Auckland and Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ — along with so many corporate partners, grant bodies, community groups, donors and volunteers.
Thank you for being a part of our story so far.
We farewell three good sorts
An extra special family dinner was held in August to celebrate three incredible individuals for their tireless contributions to our House over the past 16 years. Eric, Sheryn and Scott have all been an integral part of the framework that makes our House what it is today.
Eric Grainger (who turned 90 in August!) was honoured for his 16+ combined years of dedication and commitment both as a Trustee, volunteer and the inaugural Chair of our Bequest Society.
Sheryn Cressey (who along with husband Paul, are our founding family) is etched into our House’s history, along with her passion of always ensuring our families feel at home. Our very first volunteer, Sheryn has recently stepped down after 15 years. Sheryn, along with her delicious baking, will be sorely missed!
Dr Scott McFarlane has always seen the House as an extension of the passion he has for the children he treats on Starship’s oncology ward. Scott was honoured for his 14 year commitment to our Board, with the last four as Chairman, guiding the Trust through significant growth. Scott’s leadership has laid the foundations for the next exciting stage of growth for the House.
Move over Masterchef NZ
14 students from St Heliers School started a cooking group in an effort to sharpen their culinary talents over the Christmas holidays. The group of girls (aka Sugar n Spice) decided to turn their new cooking skills into an opportunity to raise funds for the House.
Their initial goal was to raise $1,000 for ingredients to cater a family dinner for House families. They achieved this through some grand efforts which involved a stall at the St Heliers Community Festival and catering functions (including a lunch for teachers at their school). The girls amazed our families by putting on a gourmet feast fit for a 5-star restaurant, which also featured on TVNZ’s kids’ show Studio 2. To reward all their hard work, food magazine Dish generously offered to sponsor the costs of the family dinner, meaning all funds raised could be donated to the House.
Not happy to stop there, the girls will continue to raise funds for the House until the end of this year. So far they’ve raised over $2,000 with a number of ‘foodie’ projects still to go. A tremendous effort!
Kiwi musicians lend their voices for fundraiser
Kershia Singh is a weekend Family Liaison Supervisor in our Ronald McDonald Family Room. When she’s not spending her time ensuring our families are well taken care of, she’s out there championing our cause. With a background in hospitality and music, Kershia has taken it upon herself to organise a music-fundraising event, calling on friends and colleagues to help out.
“My work in the Family Room has introduced me to so many amazing families … I want to give something back” says Kershia.
For those in central Auckland, head along to Juice Bar in Parnell on December 11 from 7.00pm and enjoy of rhythm, funk and soul featuring some of NZ’s finest funk and soul artists — Cornerstone Roots, Isaac Aesili, (solo artist and member of Open Souls), Rachel Fraser and Josh Leys.
Tickets for this event are $15 from dashtickets.co.nz, or please download the PDF flyer (2.5MB).
Mike casts some dinner magic
Each week the Mike Hosking Breakfast Show on Newstalk ZB features ‘Mike’s Magic’, a chance for listeners to nominate a friend or family member to have their dream come true. These are dreams that money can’t buy — where a bit of celebrity magic (and some clout!) makes things happen. This time our families were the lucky recipients thanks to the lovely Maddock family from Christchurch.
The Maddocks spent time in the House during 2009 while their son Joshua underwent open heart surgery at just 8 days old. Having been through the ordeal of having a sick child, they knew just how much it would mean to have a special dinner put on for House families, so nominated them to receive some extra TLC. “We always said if we won lotto we’d come up and put on a family dinner to show our appreciation,” said Janine and Jason Maddock.
On 21st September the Maddocks’ wish was granted. Mike Hosking waved his magic wand and put on a Family Dinner at the House like never before. Dinner was served up by the Spit Roast Catering Company and a spectacular performance was given by acrobats and contortionists from Cirque Mother Africa. With a bit of encouragement some of the children even got to give the acrobatics a go, much to their Mums and Dads entertainment. A fun evening had by all. Thank you Mike’s Magic!
NZ Junior Dragster Champs 2011
The inaugural NZ Junior Dragster Championships are being held at Meremere south of Auckland on Sunday 13th February, with all proceeds coming to our House!
The idea to get the House involved in the event came from Brendon Wilson, a guy with a passion for fast cars who has experienced first-hand what Ronald McDonald House Auckland means to families. “Having been in and out of [the House] due to a family member’s child suffering from Spina Bifida, it wasn’t difficult to see this as a very deserving cause...”
Drivers aged from 6-16 years will be vying for the Dragster Championship on the day, plus a plethora of entertainment for kids including demonstrations from some of the ‘big cars’ and even a chance to give dragster driving a go for themselves! Ronald McDonald will also be there getting in on all the fun.
Entry is $5 per car or gold coin donation. For event information please download the PDF flyer or visit www.framautolitedragway.co.nz.
Family dinners come up trumps
Families in the House are always humbled by the number of community groups and businesses who come together to make their lives a little easier by cooking up some superb family dinners. We received this heartfelt email from a House Dad who attended a recent family dinner put on by Business Club member Feltex:
“Hello, I just wanted to give another heartfelt thank you to your organisation, and to the Volunteers from your staff for the wonderful dinner they provided a couple of weeks ago at Ronald McDonald House. My Daughter Nikita was in Star Ship Hospital after an accident with a horse, she had come through brain surgery and a traumatic week and was allowed down to the house for dinner on her Birthday. Your Volunteers had worked very hard, and I was impressed with their teamwork, what made it even more wonderful was on top of all they had to organise, they even managed to give Nikita a Birthday Cake!
“We couldn’t eat a lot of the cake on the night (as we were so full) but Nikita took the cake up to the Neurological ward the next day and shared it with all the other children and parents where it was really enjoyed. We are very lucky to have Nikita home now, and she seems to be doing very well. Some parents and children are not so lucky and will be there for months, some in our ward where their children may have brain cancer or other serious conditions know that they may never get to take their children home. Your companies simple act of providing a dinner can mean so much to someone whose world is turned inside out watching their children suffer. Well done!”
Yours Sincerely, Mark Wingate, Rotorua
By the end of 2010 a whopping 15,210 individual meals will have been served up to our families! For a full list of the Family Dinner volunteer groups who have been in since our last newsletter please see Recent Supporters.
60 minute lunch with Mike McRoberts
In July we hosted award winning broadcaster, Mike McRoberts and guests at a special ‘Bequest Society’ luncheon.
Our Bequest Society luncheons take place three times a year and are part of our Bequest Society, a programme set up to honor our supporters during their lifetime who have chosen to leave a gift in their will to support future families in our care.
July guests were taken on a captivating journey through Mike’s broadcasting career where he spoke candidly of his experiences abroad and some of the catastrophic results of conflict he has seen first hand on children, families and communities the world over. Like any parent, he shared his worries for the future of his children but at the same time commended the work of Ronald McDonald House and how fortunate we are as a country to have access to not just first class medical care but also the relevant support for kiwi children and their families during their time of need.
Kids put their dreams on canvas
Through its annual art competition GJ Gardner gives our House kids creative licence to explore their artistic side, have some fun and at the same time be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes. This year’s theme ‘My Dreams’ was the inspiration for some superb entries and three outstanding winners took away a portable DVD player and DVDs to watch. Congratulations to all those who entered.
This year’s winners are:
- Mela Mitchell (1-6 years)
- Rowan Jones (7-11 years)
- Drew Thomas (11-16 years)
