Utilising their creative skillsets residents and staff from Halcyon lifestyle communities have raised  more than $17,000 so far for Ronald McDonald House (RMH) at Herston in Brisbane. 

Following more than 500 community members competing in marathons on the Gold and Sunshine coasts earlier this year Halcyon is now preparing for the charity’s ‘bake-offs’ and ‘make-a-meal’ programs – where they will cook everything from sweet treats and snacks to full three-course dinners for the Ronald McDonald House so that families can have a meal ready for them after being in the hospital ward all day.

Ronald McDonald House is a “home away from home” which provides accommodation in close proximity to the hospital for families of seriously ill children who are receiving constant treatment. RMH Herston provides 50 rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, games room, playgrounds, parents’ retreat, baby room, library and laundry.

Dr John Gilmour, RMH Charity SEQ CEO said “the charity’s Houses give parents the chance to draw hope and comfort from other families in similar situations, while being supported by dedicated and friendly staff and volunteers” and helped to preserve the family unit in the midst of physical, emotional and financial stress. These facilities are used not only by Queensland families but also families who travel from interstate or overseas while their children receive specialist treatment in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast.

Halcyon joint managing director Dr Bevan Geissmann said that Halcyon’s community members have  so far generated enough funds to ‘adopt’ three accommodation rooms at the Ronald McDonald House “ hoping that the money raised can help alleviate some of the financial pressures they’re facing,” he said.

More than 5,000 families stayed in the houses last year.

Halcyon communities recently banded together to raise more than $22,000 for Australia’s drought affected farmers.