A much needed break for families

Transcription

1 A much needed break for families

2 The families of seriously ill children suffer extreme emotional and physical stress over long periods of time. It s often hard coming to terms with what s happening, without all the added pressures of life going on all around you. At times like these, there are few things more important than enabling families to stay together and stay strong for the benefit of the child. And sometimes, a week away from it all is just what the doctor ordered, and it can make a huge difference to your outlook. Precious time away from it all.

3 Somewhere to relax and be together The Ronald McDonald Family Retreat program gives families of sick children a place to relax, connect and spend precious time together. The memories they share there will last a lifetime and shine through in a difficult period that many will want to put behind them. For families who have recently suffered the death of a child, the Family Retreats provide a necessary opportunity and peaceful place where they can begin to come to terms with their loss together, without having to face the world back home. Five very special places There are currently five Ronald McDonald Family Retreats in Australia. Whether a cottage, beach house or country retreat, each Family Retreat is a holiday home kitted out with everything a family needs to spend a relaxing week together near the coast. We re lucky enough to have the support of local volunteers who help with the running, cleaning and maintenance of each cottage. Bateman s Bay, NSW Fiona s Lodge 2 x three-bedroom apartments near a private beach in the stunning bay area. Forster, NSW 4 x two-bedroom deluxe cabins, each with wonderful views across Wallis Lake. Ocean Grove, VIC Kessia s Cottage A three-bedroom cottage located near a beautiful sandy beach. Bunbury, WA A three-bedroom house located just a few blocks from the Indian Ocean and right beside a bird and wildlife sanctuary. Jurien Bay, WA A two-bedroom cottage in the Apex Recreational Camp, set in the idyllic Jurien Bay.

4 Open for all who need them 6 easy ways to get involved Our Family Retreats are open to anyone caring for a child diagnosed with a serious illness. The whole family are welcome to stay for up to a week, although each Retreat does have a maximum number of occupants. The Family Retreats are popular, so while we do our best to accommodate everyone, we ask for your understanding if the dates you need are unavailable. While most children in wheelchairs can easily be accommodated, the Family Retreats don t all have full disability access and aren t set up to cater for infectious diseases. Because of the poor health of many of our guests, all are non smoking and pet-free environments. If you and your family would like to apply to stay in one of our Retreats, download an application form from our website or call us toll-free on Once filled in, return the form to the Family Retreat you re interested in and they ll take it from there. Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC ) has been helping seriously ill children and their families in Australia since We have a wide range of programs and services designed to help make the journey to recovery as easy as possible for the whole family. But we couldn t do it without the generosity of people like you. 1 Visit our website to find out more about our work and make a donation. 2 Give us a call to donate or organise a fundraiser in your area. 3 Next time you re in McDonald s, put any spare change into the donation boxes on the counter. 4 Set up an employee payroll giving program in your organisation. 5 Make a bequest in your Will to Ronald McDonald House Charities. 6 If your company is interested in sponsorship opportunities, give us a call and we can talk about ways to make it happen. Call us toll free on Visit Or rmhc@rmhc.org.au

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