This November, you’ll once again be able to take part in the annual Red Wig Challenge, raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Canberra in their work supporting families with seriously ill children.
To understand more about the work the charity does and the support that it provides we spoke to the family of little Noah, from Crookwell in rural NSW.
Mum and dad, Ali and Adam, welcomed baby Noah to their family at 36 weeks in the Canberra Hospital after a postnatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Noah then spent two weeks in the neonatal Intensive Care Unit before heading home. At just four months old, he returned to the hospital for bowel surgery and now at one year old is here again for another surgery.
When we asked the family about their experience at Ronald McDonald House, Noah’s mum, Ali, said: “It almost brought you to tears walking through the facility, seeing everything that was available to our family at such a vulnerable time in our life including being able to do simple tasks such as washing clothes, making a coffee, having a shower, or spending time with extended family. We will be forever grateful that we were able to come and go as we needed so we could still be by Noah’s side when he needed us most.”
Dad, Adam, shared: “In such a stressful time, having a place in Ronald McDonald House certainly took away the financial and emotional burden of having to worry about accommodation during Noah’s hospital visits, and instead this allowed us to focus our energy solely on supporting Noah. Having access to the kitchen also meant we weren’t spending time and money on takeaway or cafeteria meals.
“We were so grateful we also had a place to take [big sister] Harriet back to play during her visits so we could still spend some quality family time together. Until you are in a situation where you need this service, it is hard to know how it benefits people but seeing and experiencing Ronald McDonald House firsthand we will be forever grateful.”
Ronald McDonald House Canberra welcomes anyone who is interested in fundraising, donating, or volunteering to get involved.
“We are so excited to run this event virtually again this year. The people of Canberra really got behind the Challenge last year which enabled us to raise over $33k, helping to support 1,285 families, and providing 2,744 night’s accommodation to those in need. We hope that this year’s event will be equally well supported, and we can come together to help families like Noah’s and be there for them when they need it most.”
If you’d like to find out more about the charity and the Red Wig Challenge 2021 visit actfundraising.rmhc.org.au/event/redwig2021
For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.
