A partnership between Greater Charitable Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW (RMHC NNSW) has reached a meaningful milestone in easing the financial burdens on families with a sick child, saving them over $1.3 million.
The Stronger Together Partnership was established in 2022 and has already achieved lifechanging outcomes helping to ease the financial and emotional burdens families face when their child is diagnosed with a serious illness.
Among the thousands of families throughout Northern NSW to have benefited is Tamworth parents Jess and Alex, and their son Maverick, who are expected to save almost $20,000 during their time at the Newcastle Ronald McDonald House.
When Maverick was just four months old he was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer. His family was transported straight away to Newcastle’s John Hunter Children’s Hospital, more than three hours away from their home.
With months on end in the oncology ward for life-saving treatment, mum Jess said the family needed a place to stay that was close to the hospital.
“We needed a safe space to land as our world spiralled out of control within 24 hours. Ronald McDonald House provided us with somewhere to stay as we’ve gone through treatment,” she said.
“It’s also provided less financial stress. We stayed for weeks and weeks and if it wasn’t for the House, we’d need to find other accommodation which would have cost thousands of dollars.”
Greater Bank’s Chief Distribution Officer, Emma Brokate, said the organisation is honoured to help support families in need.
“It is incredibly moving to reach this milestone and see the difference our funding is making in the lives of families like Maverick and his parents and we are honoured to help offer support and comfort when it matters most.”
In the past two years, over 250 of NGM Group’s employees, of which Greater Charitable Foundation is part of, have volunteered hundreds of hours to supporting RMHC NNSW by making meals, fundraising and donating goods.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW CEO, Ross Bingham said Greater Charitable Foundation funding makes an enormous difference to the charity’s impact.
“As a community owned and operated charity, we rely on the generosity of the community and the significant support we’ve received from Greater Charitable Foundation has helped thousands of families in a time of great need.
“Based on independent research by Social Ventures Australia, for every $1 invested by the Greater Charitable Foundation we’ve been able to deliver $3.60 social and economic value back into our communities,” Mr Bingham said.
“That can be through our accommodation services at the Ronald McDonald Houses in Newcastle or Tamworth, free tutoring for students who have missed out on schooling, the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at John Hunter Children’s Hospital in Newcastle or at Gosford Hospital, or they can also enjoy some well-deserved vacation time at our Family Retreat in Forster.
“I can’t thank Greater Charitable Foundation enough for their support, which has saved families throughout Northern NSW more than $1.3 million in the last three years.
Further information about the partnership can found here
For further information about Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW, please visit: