News

Greater Charitable Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Delivers Over $1.3 Million

today4 November 2024

Background

A heartfelt collaboration between Greater Charitable Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW (RMHC NNSW) has reached a remarkable milestone, saving families with sick children more than $1.3 million in financial support since the partnership began.

Since its inception in 2022, the Stronger Together Partnership has been transformative, relieving families of both emotional and financial burdens when facing the immense challenge of a child’s serious illness.

One of the thousands of families who have experienced this support firsthand is Dimitri and her son Tate from Port Macquarie. Tate, diagnosed with B-Cell Leukaemia at just two years old, has been undergoing treatment in Newcastle at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital. The family expects to save over $25,000 while staying at the Newcastle Ronald McDonald House, a lifeline that has allowed them to focus solely on Tate’s recovery.

Reflecting on her experience, Dimitri shared the significant impact of the House. “The biggest impact has been for our kids; everyone is so welcoming, and the kids have a playground, so the House doesn’t feel like we are living in a hospital,” she said. Dimitri highlighted that without the support of the Ronald McDonald House, the journey would have been exponentially harder, noting the financial burden they would have faced if forced to rent a place in Newcastle.

Tate and Dimitri have called Ronald McDonald House Newcastle their home since April and will continue to stay there throughout Tate’s treatment.

Greater Bank’s Chief Distribution Officer, Emma Brokate, expressed the organisation’s pride in making such a difference. “It is incredibly moving to reach this milestone and see the impact our funding has on families like Dimitri and Tate. We are honoured to support and comfort them when it matters most.”

The broader community engagement from Greater Charitable Foundation has also been considerable. Over the past two years, more than 250 employees from the NGM Group, which includes the foundation, have dedicated time to volunteering, making meals, fundraising, and donating to RMHC NNSW.

Ross Bingham, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW, underscored the significance of this partnership. “The support from Greater Charitable Foundation has been invaluable,” he said. “For every dollar invested by the foundation, we deliver $3.60 in social and economic value, a testament to the enormous impact we can make.”

This value is spread across vital services, including the Newcastle and Tamworth Ronald McDonald Houses, family rooms at local hospitals, and even a family retreat in Forster.

Greater Charitable Foundation’s ongoing contributions have changed the lives of families across Northern NSW, highlighting the importance of community-driven support for those in need.

For more information on the partnership and ways to support or learn more, visit Greater Charitable Foundation or Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW.

Written by: Newy Staff


Newy 87.8 FM is an FM radio station established in 2014 targeting Classic Hits music enthusiasts across Newcastle and The Central Coast, Australia. The station plays 60s 70s and 80s music. The station can be streamed online via this website or smart phone apps such as Tunein. In 2024 we opened a local newsroom dedicated to publishing Newcastle News.

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