OUR SAFE PLACE, OUR HOME, OUR STORY - RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE SOUTH ...
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WINTER 2019 / NEWSLETTER #67
Room Sponsor House bakers share
16 years of service! Spotlight their ANZAC recipe
Page 4 Page 6 Page 7
OUR SAFE PLACE,
OUR HOME, OUR STORY
Patrick Connell and his family spent more than 200 days living at need chemotherapy. We realised that this was going to be a journey
Ronald McDonald House South Island, while his son Lachie was - a really long one - that couldn't be walked back home in Hokitika.
treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Here he shares his story. Malachi, our youngest son, had been staying with my parents from
the moment we arrived at Christchurch Hospital. He was really in
In late August last year, Lachie was sick... again. He'd had a fever every need of some Mum and Dad time and this wasn’t easy to give to
month since March, but with no other symptoms we were told to let a healthy two-year-old in the Child Haematology and Oncology
him rest and he always seemed to get better. This time was different. Centre, where Lachie was being treated. That was when we came
Lachie had a whole heap of bruises and just wanted to sleep. As we into the care of Ronald McDonald House South Island (RMHSI) which
waited for our GP appointment, we hoped that what ‘doctor Google’ was known to our kids as the "Party House".
was saying wasn't true. When we saw the GP they told us to go In the first month, Lachie stayed in hospital pretty much full-time.
straight to Greymouth Hospital and spare no time going home first. It was really important to be able to stay so close to the hospital,
The blood tests showed some very worrying indicators that saw us as we did sleep shifts to be with Lachie and play-time shifts with
rushing over Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch Hospital, with nothing in Malachi, who turned two in late September.
the back of our car but our two youngest sons and a handbag. To say
My second night in the house was Father’s Day. I remember waking
we were in shock is an understatement.
up and finding a present outside my door with a big tag that said
Over the next two days, our hearts were broken when we discovered ‘Happy Father’s Day, Love from RMHSI’. Continued on page 2...
our Lachie had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and would
Keeping families close™ www.rmhsi.org.nz | RonaldMcDonaldHouseSouthIsland | RMHSI
Continued from page 1...
It was completely unexpected but set
the scene of a place that makes
sure those special wee family "We would share
moments aren't forgotten in the our days and what was
turmoil of a sick child. going on. If anyone
We have worked hard to have understood what we were
our own family home, that going through it was the
we are proud of; so suddenly other families staying in
being in community-style living the House."
was confronting at first. But these
feelings faded quickly. It was this
very ‘House Community’ that became our
greatest support network. The staff became like family. Every day
we would walk down the stairs and see a smiling face and open
arms. Our kids had a morning routine where they would visit all
the staff and yell, “Hey ladies, good morning ladies!” There was a
real extended family feeling.
As time went on, we got to know other families in the House. We
would often drag several of the tables in the dining room together
and share our meal with three or four families each evening.
We would share our days and what was going on. If anyone
understood what we were going through
it was the other families staying in the
House. It was really important for us to talk.
Having a hot meal made by volunteers
every night was amazing. We couldn't
have imagined going to the supermarket
or thinking about cooking after some
of the days we had in hospital. We also
really appreciated the access the House
gave us to extracurricular activities like
the Antarctic Centre or Les Mills, because
when you are here long-term, you need to
try and have a life outside of the hospital.
Jeanna (Lachie’s mum) would wake up
early and head down to Les Mills for a
workout, which really helped energise
her and clear her head. I think this was
crucial in helping us get through some of
the most challenging days. We are really
grateful that these businesses donate their
services to families at RMHSI. I’m not sure
they will ever know what that meant for
our wellbeing.
At our 100th and then the 200th day in the House, we decided we
wanted to give something back, so we cooked a meal for all the
staff and volunteers. We wanted to try to look after them the way
they had looked after us. It felt good to give something back to
people who had given us so much.
For us, Ronald McDonald House can only be described as home.
It has been our comfort zone, our safety blanket and our safe
place for the last eight months. It has been really hard to leave.
Lachie has another 2.5 years of treatment, so being able to stay
together in those early months, until we were able to relocate to
Christchurch, meant the world to us.
As told by Patrick Connell
Photos supplied by Selina Nunn and Hazel
Cass. Thank you both, Selina & Hazel, for
sharing these great photos of the Connell
family.
www.hazelandcass.co.nz
» House Happenings «
Silver Linings #67 | PAGE 3
1 2
3 5
1. Over Easter, we received an incredible amount of Easter 4. We were thrilled to be invited to an early season netball
eggs from generous members of the community to share with game of The Good Oil Tactix and to have the opportunity to
families staying at the House and Family Room. Check out the collect donations for RMHSI. A huge thank you to The Good Oil
Easter Bunny making all her deliveries! Tactix for their support.
2. There is nothing quite like Southern hospitality, and we were 5. In March, our families enjoyed a visit from members of the
overwhelmed by the support and generosity of Southland people Vodafone New Zealand Warriors league team. There were lots
at our Invercargill Supper Club event in early March. Guests were of smiles and laughter as the team shot
treated to a very special surprise when the team from Street hoops with the children, played on the
Machines rocked up in their classic American cars and hot rods playground and of course threw balls
to transport guests to their dining locations. A real highlight of in the backyard, brightening many of
the night! The event was a sellout and raised over $35,000 for our budding sports stars’ day.
the Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital.
6. The Ronald McDonald House
3. In March, we hosted the HPE New Zealand 'My Kitchen Annual Appeal has finished for
Rules' competition. Five IT companies battled it out for the title another year! We are so thankful
of the 'Best Family Dinner Programme', as voted by the whānau for the willingness of the
staying with us! We were overwhelmed by the creativity and fun hundreds of collectors to help at
each team brought to the table over the five nights. From clowns over 130 sites across the South
to robots, each team found a way to not only make their food Island - our Appeal could not
sing but to bring lots of joy and laughter to their evening. happen without YOU! These vital
funds ensure we continue to provide
our programmes and services to families
with a child in hospital.
New Crew
Silver Linings #67 | PAGE 4
This quarter we welcomed
two new staff members to
our Christchurch team.
Regan De Burgh - Fundraising Advisor
Regan joined our team in March, in the role of Fundraising Advisor. With a background
in Marketing and Brand Management, Regan says her heart has always been in the
not-for-profit sector, and she has wanted to work for Ronald McDonald House for
quite some time. “I enjoy building relationships with people and it’s been amazing to
meet our wonderful volunteers and community groups who make the House the special
place that it is.”
In her spare time Regan, loves running, spending time with her daughter and dog Harry,
and is an avid collector of high heels.
Leanne Carson - Housekeeping
Leanne was a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House South Island when a vacancy in the
housekeeping team came up. Leanne says she jumped at the chance to apply, because
she knew it was more than just a job. “We can do so much for the families, even the little
things. I always say, ‘you leave your own life behind when you walk in the front door
of RMHSI'. You feel really good at the end of the day, knowing a simple little thing has
helped a family with a lot on their mind!” Welcome to the team Leanne!
"I heard all about
what care and comfort
the House provided
families when their child
was in a hospital in
Christchurch. That was
» Volunteer Spotlight « 16 years ago!"
MY WHY: ELIZABETH INESON
16 years of service! Elzabeth Ineson has been volunteering at the Christchurch House
for over 16 years.
I was in a ‘frock shop’ one day when I overheard a conversation.
The two women were talking about Ronald McDonald House,
which had opened here in Christchurch. It sounded pretty Despite our differences, we are all human beings and so when
hard things happen like a child getting ill, it’s so important to
amazing, so I confessed I’d been listening and asked them to
lighten the burden and try to make life easier for these families.
tell me more. They made it sound so interesting that I decided
I love watching the friendships form between the children in the house.
to stop by and see what I could do to help.
Children are just being children, they aren’t worrying about what’s
I came into the House and met some of the staff and other wrong, they focus on what’s right and what makes them happy.
volunteers, and heard all about what care and comfort the I’m always blown away by the generosity of people involved with
House provided families when their child was in a hospital in this place; from doing up vases of flowers for the dining room
Christchurch. That was 16 years ago! Back then we did the tables to dropping off presents, baking, hand-knitted clothing for
washing, ironing and a whole bunch of things that these days are premature babies, or even Easter eggs. It’s given freely without
outsourced to amazing sponsors. I now volunteer on a Wednesday any credit required.
morning in the Front of House team. It’s a happy house and I can
Most of the volunteers are constant, so you get to know people pretty
honestly say it’s so enjoyable to be there!
well. They are your team and we have a jolly good time working at
the House together, and then catching up with the wider volunteer
network at our Annual Volunteer Breakfast at the Rydges Hotel.
WANT TO BECOME A SUPERSTAR
To quote the lyric's of the Eagle's, "I get that peaceful, easy feeling
VOLUNTEER LIKE ELIZABETH?
when I'm here". That’s what keeps me coming back.
We have volunteering opportunities in both Christchurch
and Invercargill. Visit www.rmhsi.org.nz to find out more. As told by Elizabeth Ineson
» What's Going On «
Silver Linings #67 | PAGE 5
Down South
The latest happenings from the Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital
My Story - Kat & Bodhi Moses
I was very fortunate to be pregnant with my IVF miracle baby.
But at 30 weeks I went into spontaneous labour and within
"This incredible
two hours my beautiful baby Bodhi was born. Being 10 weeks place allowed me
early meant Bodhi had a long road of hospital care ahead, to be only steps away
but I was very fortunate to come into the care of the Ronald from my baby and this
McDonald Family Room at Southland Hospital. is what I needed
Helen at the Family Room was incredible; she was like the most."
another mother. She knew when I was down and was always
there supporting me - she was my family-away-from-family.
It was often the little things like Christmas presents or hugs
that let us know they saw how hard it was. We knew they saw
us, and cared for our wellbeing.
Sometimes I would head to the kitchen at 10pm to make a
coffee and would sit down for a chat with the other mothers
and parents in the Family Room. We would laugh together,
cry together and it was a really incredible support network.
Bodhi is now six months old and flourishing. I’m forever
thankful for the love and kindness shown to us by the Ronald
McDonald Family Room.
As told by Kat Moses Baby Bodhi on his due date, 10 weeks after he entered the world.
Photo: All Things Nice photography
From selling a house
to supporting a House
Our Invercargill Supper Club was a smash hit! It was fun,
classy, full of surprises, and best of all had the support of an
incredible community, including the generous team at Ray
White Invercargill. James McRobie was an outstanding MC and
John Murphy, auctioneer extraordinaire, played a key part in the
event’s success.
We would also like to thank the Ray White team for their effort on
Annual Appeal day, as the team rolled up their sleeves and got
stuck into collecting. Thank you for your support!
Thank You Plaza Supervalue
We would like to say a massive thanks to Plaza Supervalue in Invercargill
for their incredible five year meal programme sponsorship. Starting in 2014, the
supermarket’s delicatessen provided more than 4,500 delicious meals for our
families to help fill empty tummies at the end of a long day in hospital. Special
mention to Ron, Gillian, Glenis and the rest of the team who were such a pleasure
to work with. We are very thankful to the Plaza Supervalue team and to our team
of regular volunteers who faithfully picked up and delivered meals Monday to
Friday for the last five years.
Silver Linings #67 | PAGE 6
"We’ve been able
» Room Sponsor Spotlight « to do this small thing,
but it’s not about us.
It’s about the families,
Alps 2 Ocean Ultra Crew and supporting them in
their journey at
the House.”
Brent Crossan and Michael Sandri have been mates since
school, with a love of the outdoors, extreme sports and good
food uniting them across the decades. In 2016, Brent’s daughter
Hailey was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia,
and Brent was regularly travelling from Invercargill to Ronald
McDonald House South Island, in Christchurch, where the
family were staying for Hailey’s treatment. He’d often stop in to
chat to Michael in Oamaru about how things were going, and
there were some days that were much harder than others.
An avid adventure racer for most of his life, Michael listened to
Brent throughout these visits and realised that there was, in a
strange way, a synergy between his own years of sweating along
trails and mountains across the world, and what Hailey was facing
in Christchurch Hospital.
“I remember vividly when Hailey heard I was doing the Grand to
Grand Ultra – seven days racing over 273km in the Grand Canyon.
I was having a really tough time on the track and she ended up
ringing me from her bed in the hospital, to give me a pep talk I
will remember for the rest of my life. She didn’t think about her
own situation. She basically said, ‘Don’t give up, Michael, you’ve
Brent and Kara Crossan (pictured above) presented the House
got this. Chin up, just get on with it!’.”
with a $17,500 cheque from the Alps 2 Ocean Ultra Marathon
Upon returning to New Zealand, Michael knew he wanted to repay Community Trust earlier this year, with the simple desire to pay
what Hailey had given him – strength, courage and determination the generosity forward and sponsor Apartment 10. Michael,
during the hard times. The Alps 2 Ocean Ultra was his answer. typically, stayed away from the camera.
After two hard years of establishing the new ultra-stage running “The race, and the sponsorship are all because of Hailey. She’s
race from the base of Mt Cook to the shores of Oamaru, he been so strong, a lot stronger than me, and this is such a practical
fulfilled his promise to Hailey and the Crossans – to give back to way to help other families that are in the same situation as the
the organisation that had supported them through their darkest Crossans were in 2016. I wanted to honour my word, and that’s
hours, and helped see them through the other side. what the Alps 2 Ocean Trust is totally committed to."
Ready, set, fashion!
The annual M Factor Fashion Show (in its 10th year) brought together some of
the most talented designers from across the country to raise funds for Ronald
McDonald House Charities and Ronald McDonald House South Island.
Guests at the family-friendly fashion show, held for the first time at The Tannery, saw
collections from Trelise Cooper, Kathryn Wilson, Repertoire, Working Style, Ruby six, KILT and
the usual favourites like Annah Stretton. Augustine and more. Children’s clothing labels Alaska
Tees and Scarlett & Victor also featured.
Maree Lucas, Owner and Events Organiser of M Factor Events says “I feel so privileged to
be organising the show for the 10th year, and think the stunning setting of the Tannery is
the perfect fit.” The event is not your average fashion show, as the models include families
who have stayed at a Ronald McDonald House, a charity close to Maree’s heart.
“My twin nieces and family spent two months staying at Ronald McDonald House and
it was such a calm, welcoming and family orientated escape for them, away from the
hospital,” says Maree. “It's a really special charity to me, which is why I am so excited to
use my passion to support such an incredible cause.”
The M Factor Fashion show was attended by 300 guests and raised over $76,000. We are
incredibly grateful to Maree and the M Factor team for supporting us to continue keeping
families close.
EVENTS 2019
Mark your Calendar!
Silver Linings #67 | PAGE 7
JUNE JUNE
JULY OCTOBER
Online Silent Host-a-Roast Queenstown
Auction July 1 - 31 Supper Club
June 7 - 23 October 18
We're back again with our Galabid Crank up the oven, invite the gang for A chance to experience the finest dining
Auction. You can bid on some of our dinner, and Host a Roast for families destinations the Queenstown-Lakes
fantastic prizes right from the comfort this winter! District has to offer – Supper Club 2019
of your home. To register text: chsc2019 is not to be missed. Keep an eye on our
followed by your first and last name website to secure your table for this event.
to 3840
NOVEMBER
TO FIND OUT MORE
A Day at visit www.rmhsi.org.nz/events
the Polo
December 7
A highlight on the fundraising calendar
- you do not want to miss this award-
winning summer day out of riveting polo
at the Port Hills Polo Club, Tai Tapu.
Our Ronald
McDonald
House Bakers
Every month since November 2015, we've had the pleasure
of welcoming a group of wonderful bakers into the House.
The self titled ‘Ronald McDonald House Bakers’, a group
from Dementia Canterbury, come in to treat our families
to trays full of warm baking, made with love.
Co-ordinator Diane says, “Our bakers love coming to bake
for the families. It provides a wonderful opportunity to
connect with past baking skills and offers a lovely way
of giving back voluntarily to the community. We all
really enjoy being with the fantastic staff and families at
Ronald McDonald House.”
In April, the bakers served up dozens of ANZAC
biscuits for ANZAC day. The bakers have kindly shared
the recipe for your baking pleasure! So why not whip
up a batch, make a cuppa and put your feet up with
this edition of Silver Linings.
» Our Families «
Families from all over New Zealand stay at our facilities while their children receive hospital care for many different reasons.
Sometimes they stay for one or two nights, but some families can be with us for many months. Here are our statistics for the first
quarter of 2019. We have cared for 241 families who accounted for 2,034 heads on pillows.
Our most common diagnoses* are: Our families come from
23% Neonatal 3% Gastrointestinal West Coast 27%
Canterbury 20%
10% Antenatal 3% Orthopaedic
Southland 18%
10% Surgical 2% Cardiac
Otago 8%
9 %
Oncology 2 %
Accident Queenstown & Lakes 8%
7% Medical 2% Ophthalmology Nelson 7%
7% Ear, Nose and Throat 1% Renal, Liver and Kidney
Marlborough 7%
Wellington 3%
6% Psychological 1% Cystic Fibrosis
Hawkes Bay 1%
3 %
Neurological 1%
Respiratory
Overseas 1%
*(if diagnosis is known)
NEW & RENEWED ROOM SPONSORS: TRUSTS & GRANTS:
CHRISTCHURCH HOUSE:
THE LEVI ALPS2OCEAN ULTRA MARATHON
MAAKA ROOM COMMUNITY TRUST
OUR PEOPLE: OUR SUPPORTERS:
BOARD OF TRUSTEES FRONT OF HOUSE ACCOUNTS
Paul Deavoll (Chairman) / ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATOR Designed by
Dave Whalley (Deputy Chair) Megan Eden Bridget Mather TimeZoneOne
Kipp Alexander (Treasurer) Mary-Ann Roberts Ph: 03 366 5229
HOUSEKEEPING
Bruce Davis www.timezoneone.com
COMMUNICATIONS Kathy Oakes
Mark Abbot
ADVISOR Leanne Carson
Janetta Skiba
Tania Butterfield
Chris Youngman AFTER HOURS
Jock Muir FUNDRAISING SUPERVISOR Printed by Spectrum Print
MANAGER Jan Nottingham Ph: 03 365 0946
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Jemma Balmer www.spectrumprint.co.nz
Katherine Allen FAMILY ROOM
Maddy Surie FUNDRAISING SUPERVISOR
ADVISOR Helen Walker Our sincere thanks to Pub Charity
CHIEF EXECUTIVE Regan De Burgh for their generous grant, which
Mandy Kennedy
EVENTS & FUNDRAISING funded the design and production
HOUSE MANAGER ADVISOR of this newsletter.
Heather Bakkenes Jodie Gill
Ronald McDonald House South Island Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital
33 Cashel Street (Cnr Cashel and Montreal Streets) | Christchurch 8140 Kew Road | Invercargill 9840
03 377 3311 03 377 3414 admin@rmhsi.org.nz 03 214 8910 familyroom@rmhsi.org.nz
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