The charity’s annual House to House fundraising campaign has raised a record amount thanks to the efforts of fundraisers across the country who collectively ran, walked, cycled and swam over 420,000km, enabling the charity to continue its support of families in need.
The House to House challenge encouraged New Zealanders to cover 210km to raise funds to ensure the house could continue to provide vital support to families in need of accommodation while their child received medical care.
Last year, RMHC supported 4452 families who had an average stay of seven nights during their child’s hospital treatment.
This year’s fundraising efforts will support stays for a further 250 families during 2024.
RMHC New Zealand chief executive officer Wayne Howett said in recent years, RMHC had been supporting an increasing number of vulnerable families.
"Without the charity and in the current economic climate, there is a risk that families simply wouldn’t be able to afford the accommodation and travel for necessary treatment. RMHC is an essential service that reduces financial stress, leading to better child outcomes and therefore improved mental health and wellbeing.
"Collectively, we have covered more than 420,000 kilometres, which is the equivalent of about 2000 trips that families make to travel to a Ronald McDonald House."
