For most kids, Christmas is a time for toys and fun. For seriously-ill and injured children in hospital, they generally just want their families close. Ronald McDonald House Charities provides a ‘home away from home’ nearby hospital for families required to travel more than 100km for critical medical treatment.

In addition to accommodation, Ronald McDonald House Charities provides an invaluable network of support and services to these families throughout what is undoubtedly among the toughest times of their lives.

Sometimes these families find themselves facing financial ruin due to missed work and the cost of care required for their children and almost always, they find themselves in an exceptionally difficult state – emotionally, mentally and physically.

Ronald McDonald House Charities plays an incredibly important role to these families – especially during the festive season – because it means that although families are a long way from home, they can still be together at Christmas time.

On average, it costs Ronald McDonald House Charities $160 to support a family for one night.

The charity needs to raise enough funds for 1,500 nights of accommodation and care for families of children undergoing life-saving treatment this Christmas.

Therefore…

Ronald McDonald House Charities is calling on Australians to ‘Be A Santa For Sick Kids’ this festive season by gifting a donation via: santaforsickkids.com.au.

Once made, the donation will appear on Ronald McDonald House Charity’s virtual Christmas Tree with a personalised message from each generous donor.

“When a family has a child that requires long term Hospital treatment, not only does it impact them emotionally, but also financially. When they are staying with us, we like to make sure that Christmas is a special time for the whole family. By supporting our Christmas appeal, you are helping relieve the burden and stress and supporting the creation of special memories for these families.” Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney CEO, Simone Daher, said.

For more information about the ‘Be A Santa For Sick Kids’ campaign including an overview of some of the brave and courageous kids supported by Ronald McDonald House Charities this Christmas, visit: santaforsickkids.com.au.