If you buy a Big Mac at McDonalds on Saturday 16 November, you will be helping families assisted by Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Canberra.

Run annually, a portion of the sale of the burgers on McHappy Day goes to RMHC, which supports seriously ill or injured children and their families across Australia with accommodation close to where they are being cared for.

Money from the sale of socks, and donations to Helping Hands or through the charity’s website will also go towards the cause.

Jade Smith, who lives in Goulburn, where there is no neonatal intensive care unit, is one of the people who has been helped by the service in Canberra.

The service wasn’t offered to her in 2011 when her son Noah was born prematurely at 29 weeks but was required the following year when he was hospitalised. He turned 13 on Monday.

“The rooms back in 2012 weren’t anything like they are now,” Ms Smith said.

“It was three rooms shoved down the end of the hallway.

“Back then it wasn’t such a big thing but now the facilities they have are incredible.”

Ms Smith had to use the service in Canberra again in 2023 when her daughter Gracie was born 23 weeks premature.

During the family’s hospital stay, RMHC provided Ms Smith with a week of hotel accommodation because Canberra House was full. Shortly after, she moved into Canberra House and stayed for 59 nights at no cost.

Ms Smith said that, while it was hard to be away from home, the staff were very accommodating. The facilities and room were provided, along with cleaning and some meals.

“Noah stayed at home with my mum and then he would come up and stay with me on the weekends,” she said.

During the high-risk pregnancy, she also visited Canberra weekly for check-ups and scans.

Ms Smith still visits the service to give back by dropping off donations for both the families being assisted, as well as the staff.

“Volunteers come in two nights per week to make tea (every Tuesday and Friday),” she said.

“It also means the whole house can come together if you want – and that’s how I made friends. You don’t feel as alone while you’re in there.”

Ms Smith said the community should support McHappy Day to learn more about where the money goes.

She said she hoped to set up a support network in Goulburn to help others.

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