How You Can Get Involved

Ronald McDonald House offers a hands-on, meaningful way for you to get involved and directly help children and their families.

To become part of our family, you can become a Volunteer, join the "Friends of Ronald McDonald House", or participate by getting your local organisation - such as your company, school, church, club or civic group - involved in volunteering as a group or organising a fundraiser.

You could become involved with our Tuesday Night Dinner program. Every Tuesday night, crew from local McDonald’s restaurants or local community groups such as Rotary or Lions clubs, prepare, cook and serve dinner for all of the families in the House. It is a great way to give families time off by preparing a home cooked meal, and the parents certainly appreciate the chance to relax!

If you would like to tour or visit the House, we would love to show you and/or your organisation around our Ronald McDonald House. House representatives are also available as guest speakers at your meetings or events.

We also welcome school or university students for work placement or work experience. It is a great way to develop skills and to get an inside look of how our House operates.

Please contact us to arrange any of the above activities.

In Kind Donations

In kind donations are most welcome and assist our House in very practical and tangible ways. Many craft and knitting groups provide knitted blankets and toys for our families, and other community groups donate food and other fantastic items that make a difference in our House.

As a "Home away from Home" for hundreds of children and families who are in Newcastle receiving medical treatment, Ronald McDonald House Newcastle is always striving to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Our "Wish List" is updated regularly as we meet new challenges in House operations and address the needs of our families, volunteers, and staff. The following "Wish List" illustrates some of our critical needs and is a guide for individuals and corporations wanting to give.

The House uses just about all of the same supplies that you need in your own home, except in MUCH larger quantities. Please remember that when making an in kind donation, due to health and safety policy, we can only accept new items.

For the House Wish List, please click the link to the left.

Corporate Volunteer Days

Ronald McDonald House Newcastle welcomes individuals and teams from local businesses who wish to volunteer at the House or at the Ronald McDonald Family Room for the day.

Following is a list of ideas and opportunities that could make a difference:

• Assisting with general and specific house keeping and house cleaning duties.
• Assisting with general and specific gardening tasks.
• Assisting with cooking meals or cakes for the families on our premises, or even providing lunch for the families on the day of your visit.
• Plan and implement an activity for the children staying at Ronald McDonald House during the school holidays.
• Assist in the Ronald McDonald Family Room (situated in the JHH).
• Assist with general and specific maintenance tasks.
• Assist with general and specific administration tasks (eg. photocopying, folding newsletters, mail outs).
• Assist with planning an event on the years fundraising calendar.
• Assist with fundraising at an event (eg. selling raffle tickets).

If your business is interested in volunteering for the day, please contact our House Manager. Alternatively, you can download a copy of our Corporate Volunteering Registration of Interest form on the left.

Host a Fundraiser

There are many kinds of events that can benefit Ronald McDonald House:

• Trivia nights
• Auctions - live or silent
• Casual days at the office
• Walk-bike-run-a-thons
• Golf tournaments
• Car washes
• Bake sales
• Family parties

These and many other creative ideas have helped the House in the past.

You can express your support for the House by contributing to any of these existing events or starting one of your own! If you want to 'get in the swing of things' and get involved with a fundraising event for Ronald McDonald House, email us at info@rmhnewcastle.org.au or call 02 4921 4733.