Tour of Ronald McDonald House Charity at National University Hospital

Thanks Omy Blog Club for the kind invitation to tour Ronald McDonald House Charity facilities at National University Hospital. This was my first time there and I learnt from Ms Judy Chun, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities, that this is the only Ronald McDonald House in Singapore. 

With Ronald McDonald and other bloggers at the tour

I have noticed the Ronald McDonald House Charity box present at McDonald's outlets but it has never occurred to me where my donations would go and who the beneficiaries are. So really appreciate this arrangement whereby we could meet one of the families that had benefited under this charity scheme and to have them to speak to us in person. Madam Kartini's youngest daughter Syasya Dalili had to undergo the transplant operation and her husband was the donor and she had to take care of both of them as well as her elder daughter Umairah Syafiqah during the hospitalization period. So Madam Kartini was very thankful that she was allowed to stay at one of the rooms at Ronald McDonald House which has a bathroom attached and she could be so near to both her husband and daughter. 

During the sharing session

Tears started to well up in my eyes as I listened to Madam Kartini share her experience. I feel that sometimes we have been living in such a blessed yet busy environment that perhaps we didn't notice the needy families around us? Ronald McDonald House Charity always welcome volunteers. Do check out this link to find out more about how you can volunteer here: http://rmhc.org.sg/index.php/get-involved/rmh-relief-volunteer/

Mdm Kartini with her youngest daughter Syasya Dalili (who underwent the transplant), and elder daughter Umairah Syafiqah

There are 4 rooms at the Ronald MacDonald House at NUH and priority is given to the most needy family based on a points system. The maximum period for each stay is 14 days subjected to review based on a case by case needs basis. These needy families have benefited from the use of Ronald McDonald House while their young children had to undergo hospitalization and the best part is the stay is at no charge to them! There are also meals catered too and the families have benefited from the meals voucher system too. 

Apart from providing a temporary, yet very special “home away from home” for families of ill children undergoing treatment at NUH, Ronald McDonald House also provide wholesome meals for these families staying here. This platform allows families to provide and receive peer support, as well as bonding between staff and volunteers with the families. Do check out this link to find out how you can contribute towards this meaningful scheme: http://rmhc.org.sg/index.php/get-involved/meal-program/

Gifts in-kind are always welcome at Ronald McDonald House and some suggestions are as follow:

Food Items*:

Snacks (e.g. nuts, dried fruits, cookies, crackers, ice-cream, chocolates)

Fresh whole fruit (e.g. apples, oranges and bananas)

Rice / instant noodles

Canned food (e.g. soup and tuna)

Convenient packed food (suitable for microwave)

Spread (e.g. margarine, peanut butter, Nutella, jam)

Bread, pastries, breakfast cereals

Tea, coffee, Milo in sachets and soft drinks

Gift Certificates from Cold Storage, NTUC, Sheng Siong and Giant Supermarkets

*In order to prevent cross contamination, food items must be individually packed.

Kitchen and Bath Necessities:

Facial tissue

Shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion

Toilet rolls and kitchen paper towels

Disposable shower caps

Toothbrushes and toothpaste (travel-size)

Linens: (white)

Queen size sheet sets (with fitted bottom sheet)

Single size sheet sets (with fitted bottom sheet)

Bath towels and hand towels (white)

Mattress pads for single and queen mattresses

Other Items:

Toys for children of all ages including Gift Certificates from Toys”R”Us and Apple Store

Do contact contact@rmhc.org.sg or 6778 1934 if you would like to donate other items or for more information.

There's also a play room with books, toys and boardgames for the beneficiaries at Ronald McDonald House

A brand new Ronald McDonald Family Room adjacent to Ronald McDonald House is currently undergoing renovation and will be launched in January 2016 to benefit more needy families! 

I understand from Ms Tan Shu Yan, Manager, Corporate Communications & Customer Care, McDonald's Restaurants Pte Ltd, that as part of McDonald’s McHappy Day efforts this year, S$1 will be donated from every purchase of a Strawberry Sundae from 1 to 15 November to help raise funds and to bring love, hope & courage to children and families supported by Ronald McDonald House Charity Singapore. 

Please let us do our part and support this meaningful cause and benefit more needy families by purchasing more strawberry sundaes from McDonalds! 

Please help to spread the word and encourage your friends to do likewise and also remember to tag photos of your Strawberry Sundaes with #mchappydaysg and #lovehopecourage!

Thanks Omy Blog Club, Ronald McDonald House Charity and McDonald's Restaurants for involving me in this meaningful and charitable cause.