We’re shining a light on the incredible volunteers we’re so fortunate to have here at Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW (RMHC NNSW).
From our Houses in Newcastle and Tamworth, Family Rooms at the Gosford and John Hunter Children’s Hospitals, Family Retreat in Forster and our Learning Program – our volunteers ensure families in need have access to our programs 365 days a year.
Leteetia has been volunteering at our Forster Family Retreat for the past five years, driven by her own connection to our mission of providing essential services when children need healthcare.
“My sister underwent many surgeries over many, many years of her life. Our family home was in Bourke, so we would travel in a borrowed car to Queenscliff so my sister could be hospitalised in Melbourne. My dad would turn around and drive straight back to Bourke, while mum, my siblings and I (three other children), would stay in Melbourne. It was extremely hard on Mum, but also very hard on Dad physically and emotionally being away from us.
“I volunteer because I know that if RMHC NNSW was around 69 years ago, it would have helped my family immensely.”
Our Family Retreat provides families with a seriously ill child, or those grieving the loss of a child, the opportunity to take a break and spend some much-needed time together to reset and reconnect.
“I love to think that what we do as volunteers is give families a place to rest, relax and reconnect as a family. Allowing them to regain the mindset and a boost of energy to ‘go again’ into the challenges they face because of sickness.”
“Volunteering for the Family Retreat is extremely rewarding because you are giving to those who are in a tough period of their life and need that human support. I am very glad I decided to volunteer.”
We’re growing our team of volunteers. Volunteer with us and help make a difference in the lives of families with a seriously ill or injured child.
