McHappy Day on Saturday, November 16, will give Coasties a chance to support Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) with $2 from every Big Mac sold on the day going directly to the charitable organisation.
One of the RMHC programs to benefit will be the Ronald McDonald House Family Room at Gosford Hospital.
Rachelle Coleman of Wamberal is just one of hundreds who has benefitted from services offered at the Family Room.
The mum of four first made use of the service 16 years ago when her son Koby battled leukaemia as a two-year-old.
With Koby now 18 and having been in remission for 16 years, Coleman is once more a frequent visitor to the Family Room as youngest son Rocco, 10, is treated for Spina Bifida.
The Colemans are just one of 9,650 families accommodated at the Gosford Family Room each year.
While the room has “come a long way” in the past 16 years, Coleman said it had always been a haven for families with children being treated at Gosford Hospital.
She said Rocco found solace and support in the room as he faced the challenges of his condition and received treatment at Gosford Hospital to address issues with his foot.
“Rocco has spent a lot of time hospital and it is a huge support having the Family Room,” she said.
“It has a kitchen, loungeroom, washing facilities and a place to shower.
“The kitchen is always stocked ready for families to come in and make food and snacks, tea and coffee are always available.
“The laundry facilities are great – it’s a big help to be able to do your washing so close to the hospital when you don’t want to leave your child for too long.
“The Family Room really is a home away from home.
“You can have a shower, even get a fresh toothbrush.
“It’s little things like that which really help you.”
Coleman said it was wonderful to have a space where family members could sit together away from the hospital bedside and meet other families going through similar situations.
“It’s a safe space where you can refresh,” she said.
“RMHC also runs a lot of other things such as retreats and learning programs.
“They put a lot of time and effort into supporting families.”
All funds raised on McHappy Day will help RMHC continue to support families in need through Ronald McDonald Houses, Family Rooms, Family Retreats, Hospitality Carts and the Learning Program.
Over the past 32 years, McHappy Day has raised more than $67M for RMHC, with local communities across the country proudly showing their support for those in need.
If you can’t make it to a McDonald’s restaurant on November 16, you can donate directly at rmhc.org.au/give