For families navigating the unimaginable, when a child is seriously ill, every moment matters. Being close to care can make all the difference, but for many across Canberra and the surrounding regions, that comes with emotional and financial strain.

That’s where Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW steps in, providing a place for families to stay, rest and remain together during some of the most challenging times of their lives.

Based at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children in Garran, the organisation offers accommodation and support services designed to ease the burden on families while they focus on what matters most, their child’s health.

“Our mission is to keep families close during some of the toughest times they’ll ever face,” says Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW CEO Eoghan O’Byrne.

“It’s about removing the stress of accommodation and everyday living, so families can focus entirely on being there for their child. The level of demand we’re seeing shows just how many families rely on this kind of support.”

In the past year, more than 4,000 families have been supported through essential programs, including accommodation, the hospital’s Family Room and the Rosedale Family Retreat. Behind every number is a family being given the space, care and support they need to get through.

“We take care of the everyday things so families can focus on what really matters, being there for their child,” says Eoghan.

But delivering that support relies heavily on the generosity of the local community, and one of the most significant ways that happens each year is through the Ronald McDonald House Gala Ball.

While it is one of Canberra’s most spectacular nights on the events calendar, the Gala Ball plays a vital role in keeping services running.

“The Gala Ball quite literally keeps the lights on,” Eoghan says. “Last year, we raised around $500,000 in one night, which helps carry us through the year. Hopefully, this year we can go even bigger.”

At the centre of the event is a long-standing partnership with Lexus of Canberra, whose support has helped turn generosity into local impact for more than a decade.

Each year, Lexus of Canberra donates a luxury vehicle to power a major raffle initiative, giving attendees and the broader community the chance to win a brand-new Lexus while directly supporting families in need.

“It’s a very rewarding charity to be involved in,” says Lexus of Canberra Dealer Principal Mirko Milic. “It’s not just about the child. It’s about supporting the whole family during a really difficult time.”

This year’s prize is the Lexus LBX, a compact luxury SUV designed to bring a new generation into the brand and a major drawcard for fundraising efforts.

The car raffle has become a key driver of support, with every ticket sold contributing to the essential services Ronald McDonald House provides. Importantly, every dollar raised stays local, directly supporting families across the ACT and South East NSW.

For Mirko, the partnership reflects a deeper responsibility.

“It’s about being a good corporate citizen and giving back to the community that supports us,” he says. “We’ve been involved for more than a decade, and that long-term commitment is something we’re really proud of.”

As demand for services continues to grow, the importance of events like the Gala Ball, and the partnerships behind them, becomes even more critical.

For those looking to support Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW, visit actfundraising.rmhc.org.au/donate-act

To enter the draw to win a Lexus LBX Luxury SUV, visit actfundraising.rmhc.org.au/raffle/lexuscar2026