The Ronald McDonald House, located in Parkville, is committed to giving what would be a ‘home away from home’ meant for those families that are having a seriously sick kid that is undergoing specialist medical care while at the Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. The Parkville House was set up in 1986 and is among the biggest of the fourteen Ronald McDonald Houses that are running across Australia.
Since opening its doors, by the mid of 2014, the Parkville House has offered a ‘home away from home’ to in excess of 570,000 family guests. These families are hailing from all regions of Victoria, from interstate and occasionally from abroad. Some of the families stay for just a single night, while others could be around for much longer periods.
Located near the Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald Parkville House is located at 22 Gatehouse Street, in Parkville, Victoria. Its close proximity to the Children’s Hospital implies that the families could get a break from being at the hospital during the entire day, while still just across the road in case they are needed back on the ward.
Ronald McDonald Parkville House is a place where families can be together, having all those comforts they would be enjoying at of home during this stressful and difficult time. The House’s main service is accommodation, although families could also enjoy family dinner nights, several recreational activities, get access to the Learning Program run by Ronald McDonald, get respite via the Ronald McDonald Family Retreats and also take advantage of the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at the Northern Hospital and Wodonga. Additionally, a Family Room program is being created with Western Health’s Sunshine Campus.
The Ronald McDonald House Parkville Facilities
The House got 48 family rooms of differing dimensions, including 3 self contained isolation rooms for kids that are getting outpatient treatment as they recover from their transplant surgery. The facilities comprise equipped kitchens having fridges as well as pantry spaces, comfy bedrooms, linen, laundry service, dining zones, outdoor and indoor play areas, computer and games rooms plus multiple areas for lounging.
The House’s well stocked pantry comes with complimentary milk, coffee, tea and necessary ingredients for baking plus much more. Also supplied are daily newspapers. However, the families have to bring along their own personal care items as well as their clothes.
Parking & Telephones
The House got direct dial room telephones to all the Hospital extensions and they also offer off street parking for those families residing with the House.
Private Facilities
Every guest room got a family allocated lockup pantry, small bar fridge and some freezer space in the joint kitchens.
Relaxing Space
Available is the lounge area for families and it includes TV, DVS and FOXTEL. The kid’s play room is available for resident kids. The entertainment and BBQ areas are excellent for relaxation and family meals.
The Ronald McDonald House Parkville Programs
Ronald Mcdonald Family Retreat
Retreats are obtainable at no charge to the families that are taking care of a sick or recovering child.
Ronald McDonald Learning Program
The Learning Program offers children who are seriously ill with an opportunity of catching up with what they may have missed due to sickness and possibly attain their full potential. The Program provides broad evaluation to establish every kid’s learning needs and strengths.
Ronald Mcdonald Family Rooms in Wodonga & Northern
Located at these two sites, the Family Rooms support the families through providing respite from the environment of the hospital ward and the primary health caregivers.
The Charlie Bell Scholarship
This Scholarship Program offers $5,000 going towards tertiary or vocational studies for teens from 15 to 20 having experienced some form of severe illness
How can you help?
Donations
Through giving your financial gift you’ll be making a direct difference in the lives of lots of kids and their families.
Workplace Giving
Giving at the workplace presents your employees the chance of supporting their through payroll salary deductions.
Room Sponsorship
This is an ongoing yearly commitment, with the funds getting utilized in maintaining, repairing and when necessary upgrading facilities in your own pre-designated room.
Regular Giving
By regular giving, you’re making a worthy investment in future of many generations such that children that are seriously get support they require get well and develop.
Bequests
Through naming Parkville House in your Will, you’re aiding towards building sustainability and longevity into the financial planning. Your gift ensures that families are getting a supportive and warm place to stay when they need it most.
Volunteering
Volunteers make priceless assets to the Ronald McDonald House Parkville and are actively engaged in several roles that range from administration and special events to housekeeping to preparing meals for the families.
Gifts in-Kind
Offering a service or supplying a product is another means of making your donation as it saves the House of resources and time.
