When a child is in hospital. Family Stays.

Your donation helps families stay together in their child's fight.

At Ronald McDonald House, we give them a community of support, warm meals and a place to rest. Making sure they have everything they need to stay together, connected and keep strong. 

Because when a child is in the fight of their lives, family stays and Ronald McDonald House stays with them.

Round the clock love and support for family's like Harrisons

When baby Harry was born, his family’s world changed in an instant. Shortly after arriving, Harry and his mum Elousia were airlifted from Mackay to Townsville, where Harry required urgent specialist care and was later diagnosed with Down syndrome.

As they faced the fear and uncertainty of having their newborn in intensive care, Ronald McDonald House Townsville became a place of comfort and stability for the family. For almost five weeks, they stayed close to Harry’s bedside, with access to meals, safe accommodation, and the support they needed during an incredibly difficult time.

Nearly three years later, the family once again returned to Townsville unexpectedly after Harry suffered a serious burn injury. Through another stay at the House, support from the Family Room and Hospitality Cart, and small moments of kindness along the way, Ronald McDonald House was there when they needed it most.

For Harry’s family, Ronald McDonald House North Australia has provided more than just a place to stay - it has helped them remain together through some of Harrison's toughest moments.

Help families like Harry’s stay close when it matters most. Make your tax-deductible gift this tax time.

$1 = $3.60 value

Every dollar you donate has a 360% increase in value, which impacts families with ill or injured children, and the healthcare and education systems across Australia.

Holding families like Sam's together when they need it most

When Sam left home on Thursday Island for an afternoon of fishing and swimming with friends, his family never imagined how quickly everything would change.

After suffering a devastating shark attack, Sam was rushed to hospital before being airlifted to Townsville in the middle of the night for emergency surgery. His mum, Shanna, stayed by his side through every moment of uncertainty as doctors worked to save and rebuild his young body.

Over the next five months, Sam underwent 24 surgeries and spent weeks in intensive care before beginning the long journey of recovery. Throughout it all, Ronald McDonald House became a place of comfort and stability for the family during one of the most traumatic times of their lives.

From a safe place to stay close to the hospital, to meals, quiet spaces to rest, and the support of volunteers through the Family Room and Hospitality Cart, Ronald McDonald House helped ease the burden so Shanna could focus entirely on caring for her son.

As Sam slowly regained strength, small moments brought hope - favourite snacks waiting on the cart, rides to hospital in the buggy, nights spent together at the House, and the chance to feel like a child again while healing.

Today, Sam is back home on Thursday Island, back at school, dancing with his friends, and continuing to adapt to life after his injuries with incredible courage and resilience.

For families facing unimaginable circumstances far from home, Ronald McDonald House provides more than accommodation - it provides care, comfort, and the ability to stay together when it matters most.

Help families like Sam’s stay close to the care they need. Make your tax-deductible gift this tax time.