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Parents of hospitalised children will now breathe easier thanks to the Ronald McDonald House which offers a sleep-over facility for parents to stay close to their children.
The Ronald McDonald House, being built at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, will function as a ‘home-away-from-home’ and alleviate the stress on parents who have to leave their children in hospital and find alternative accommodation.
“Helping a sick child fight their illness takes a big enough emotional toll on a family, let alone the financial strain. McDonald’s understood the need to improve the lives of children and their families during difficult times by creating The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC),” said Sphiwe Reggie Skosana, RMHC SA Chairman.
Construction is well underway and various stakeholders were taken on a tour of the facility on July 18, coinciding with Mandela Day.
“The flooring and painting has been done and the plumbing has been finished. We will be moving in furniture next, it’s all very exciting,” he added.
The House will also make provisions for parents who come with the siblings of patients.
“The house has 27 rooms, some with single and double beds. In situations where more accommodation is needed we will make provisions for that,” Skosana said.
At the House, families have access to a dining room, a kitchen where families can cook or have access to home-cooked meals, playrooms for children, supportive staff and volunteers, and be able to do their laundry.
Although the initiative is well off the ground, there is a need to bridge the gap in funding and finish the House before the hospital opens in December 2016.
RMCH SA welcomes and urges the public to get involved and support them in any way possible.
The public can donate using the donation boxes found in all McDonald’s restaurants, visit rmhcsouthafrica.org to donate online or email info@rmhcsouthafrica.org for more information.
“Besides donating in cash, any volunteered time is appreciated,” said Skosana.
