Program Postponed
Providing a safe and supportive environment for families of seriously ill children at our Ronald McDonald Houses and Programs is our absolute priority. To ensure the continued safety of our families and their seriously ill children, effective immediately, we have minimised access to our Houses and Programs.
This means all our Meals Programs have been postponed until further notice.
One of the best ways you can help seriously ill children and their families at this time is to Sponsor A Meal.
We apologise in advance for any disappointment or inconvenience this creates for you and your organisation. Please know your support is vital and appreciated – however we must place the health of our families and children first at this time.
Lovin’ from the Oven gives you the opportunity to bake a difference in the lives of families with a seriously sick or injured child. The donation of your time and baking talents can provide a temporary escape from the worry for families in need.
HOW DOES LOVIN' FROM THE OVEN WORK?
The families who stay with us have often had to drop everything and rush to John Hunter Hospital so their child can get the immediate medical attention they need.
For 365 nights a year, over 600 families will sleep under the roof we’ve provided at Ronald McDonald House, Newcastle. We created this space so we can keep families together while their seriously ill child gets the vital medical treatment they need. They spend hours every day beside their child’s bed, which can be a very stressful experience.
Providing families with home-cooked food that is comforting and nourishing can help take some of the stress away and give families a much-needed break. Lovin’ from the Oven is an opportunity to come into Ronald McDonald House and prepare baked treats that can help make their day a little brighter.
We find that long after the cake is gone, the memory of your contribution, the laughter of the kids and their siblings enjoying one of their favourite foods and the sweet smells can help bring a smile to the family’s faces.
THE BENEFITS FOR YOUR TEAM
Baking treats through Lovin’ from the Oven for families at Ronald McDonald House is an unforgettable team-building experience, that demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to corporate social responsibility in a meaningful way.
Bring your brand values to life by aligning your organisation with a leading children’s charity that understands the importance of providing centred family care, and drive greater employee engagement by inspiring staff, building morale and encouraging creativity.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
In addition to businesses purchasing the ingredients for your recipes, we ask for a donation of $400 to contribute to the ongoing management of the Lovin’ from the Oven program.
WHAT CAN YOU COOK?
Whatever you like! Parents staying at the House spend long hours in the hospital. Often, the last thing they feel like doing is cooking for themselves and their family. Your Lovin’ From the Oven makes life a little bit easier and gives families a much-needed break.
It’s also a chance to have a bit of fun with your creations.
Do you have a favourite cake recipe that has been handed down through generations? Do you have some fun slice or cupcake ideas that are great for the kids? Slices, cookies, cakes and muffins are great options, as they are easy to store and the families can help themselves throughout the day when they sit down for a break, quick snack and a cuppa.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Corporate groups, sports teams, schools, social groups, families, friendship groups – we don’t mind! As there is a lot of preparation, cooking and cleaning involved, we encourage groups of a maximum of eight people per booking.
For safety reasons, please only bring children over the age of 15 to assist in the kitchen.
Many children staying at the House have suppressed immune systems due to the hospital treatment they are receiving. As such, if you or a member of your group is unwell or has come into contact with illnesses like chickenpox, measles, gastro or the common cold, we ask that you do not attend the House.
WHEN CAN YOU COOK?
Lovin’ from the Oven is a mid-week volunteer opportunity that will take two to three hours of your time in the morning or an afternoon.
THE IMPACT YOU’LL MAKE
Providing simple home-cooked food makes an incredible difference for all of the families that stay at Ronald McDonald House.
Every year we welcome over 600 families into the Newcastle House, providing accommodation and support for travelling families so their child can receive medical treatment close by.
We further support families through our Family Rooms located in the John Hunter Children’s Hospital, providing a much-needed place for families to take a break from the ward. Our Learning Program offers tutoring and educational liaison for children that have missed substantial schooling because of their medical condition. Our Holiday Retreat at Forster gives families the chance to take a well-deserved break and reconnect.
Ronald McDonald House Newcastle is an independent charity that relies on community support and fundraising to deliver our mission to provide quality family centred care to hundreds of families every year.
Your time and contribution will help keep families together at a time when they need it the most.
HOW DO YOU SIGN UP?
Follow the steps below to book your Lovin' from the Oven experience.
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Click the link below to book.
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Choose the date that suits you.
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Make your payment for your Lovin' from the Oven experience. Your donation will go directly towards helping keep families together.
- A member of our team will confirm your booking with you.
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Mark the date in everyone’s calendar so you know when you are booked in for.
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We will send you emails with more information and the next steps for your booking!
We offer other hands-on ways to give back to the families at Ronald McDonald House.
Click on the Meals from the Heart or Big Brekkie buttons for more information.
