FOR OVER 30 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia have supported sick children and their families. They work as a non-for-profit charity that allows families and their children to have a home away from home, striving to keep families together when life gets turned upside down.
RMHCA would not be able to operate without partnerships like Hyundai’s Help for Kids program, which provides financial grants and vehicles in kind to shuttle families, enabling them to travel wherever they need to go.
Matthew Owies, Caleb Marchbank and the Carlton mascots - Captain Carlton and Navy Nina - were lucky enough to visit Ronald McDonald House, Parkville on Tuesday 3 May, where they were able to meet and chat to the families and children who are staying there.
Sally Scuerri, Business Partner for Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania, said “players coming down and having interactions whether it is with the patients, siblings or family members, creates a bit of a break away for them.”
And according to Marchbank, the feeling was reciprocated.
“[It was] just really good to see them smile,” Marchbank said.
“It’s quite a difficult time for them, so to come here and actually have a playground and be able to play is just joyful for us and we do take gratitude from that.”
This year, Hyundai is focused on giving back to the community and to Carlton members. As part of this plan, Hyundai invited 20 guests from Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania to participate in the Coin Toss, Guard of Honour and Junior Mascot activities during Carlton's Round 5 match against Port Adelaide.
Round 18 will allow fans to score themselves a free bobblehead of Carlton legend Bruce Doull, while some lucky fans will also be able to nab a free Bruce Doull headband.
Round 21 will see Hyundai partner with the Club to re-launch the ‘Back our 'Baggers’ campaign, where Carlton fans and members are encouraged to enter for their chance to win their name on the back of a Carlton player’s guernsey. One lucky member will also take home a brand-new Hyundai Kona.
If you would like to donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, please click here.
