Mackay Ronald McDonald Family Room project ‘blown away’ by donations

A ‘staggering’ amount has already been raised for the new Mackay Ronald McDonald Family Room. Find out where the Mackay Base Hospital project is at.

The “staggering” level of community donations means the new Mackay Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital is on track to open next year.

Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia CEO Tamara South said the more than $700,000 raised so far had “completely blown” them away and showed how much the community wanted the project.

“From everyone at Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia, thank you for getting behind this initiative,” Ms South said.

“You are helping give hospitalised children from Mackay, Whitsundays and Isaac region the best gift of all – their families.”

Ms South also thanked Daily Mercury readers for pitching in $5000 to the Family Room.

“We are so grateful to the Daily Mercury and the Mackay regional community who have helped make this donation possible during the launch of the new Daily Mercury print edition,” she said.

“This generous contribution will support the establishment of the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay to help local hospitalised children and their families when they need it most.”

Daily Mercury editor Rae Wilson said the generosity of Mackay readers had been heartwarming.

“We wanted to show from the outset that the Daily Mercury was about community,” she said.

“To receive such overwhelming support for the return of the Merc in print and the family room was incredible.

“We had businesses buying newspapers in bulk to give to customers to support the charity’s plans.

“We cannot wait to see the family room project reach its fundraising goal so Mackay families can seek respite during what can be stressful and terrifying times in their lives.”

Ms South said the room’s practical care program would give immeasurable support to the region’s families, saving them an average of $37 a day.

Elijah Abramovic and Ashleigh Adamson are backing the campaign to build a Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital. Picture: Contributed

“When a family is bedside with their child in hospital, the cost of food, drinks and other essential items can really add up, especially for the many families who must take time off work, travel to be with their child or face unexpected medical costs,” Ms South said.

“We also know that the assistance offered by a Ronald McDonald Family Room is much more than financial.

Elijah Abramovic was born at 32 weeks and three days gestation, spending two weeks in the special care unit. His mum Ashleigh Adamson and dad Joshua Abramovic were supported by Ronald McDonald House in Townsville and are backing a campaign to have a Ronald McDonald Family Room built at Mackay Base Hospital.

“Families that visit our family room at the Townsville University Hospital tell us that it’s the welcoming smiles of our volunteers and the homelike comforts that can’t be measured, such as a hot shower, the opportunity for family members to rest in a comfortable bed and an escape from the clinical environment of the hospital ward.”

To donate to the Mackay Ronald McDonald Family Room or express your interest in volunteering, visit https://bit.ly/MackayFamilyRoom