Our Why | Dunedin Supper Club

DUNEDIN SUPPER CLUB

We give families with a hospitalised child what they need most - each other.

Every year, RMHC New Zealand offers free accommodation and support to thousands of families with a child in a hospital away from home. Here is a snapshot of how support from RMHC New Zealand has helped families, bravely shared with the Dunedin Supper Club in their own words.

Darrin and Julia Steedman and their children Brock, Liam, Brianna, and Enzo, shared the story about how their lives took a sharp turn in January 2020.

Not only did they have to live through the national lockdown due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, their 6-year-old daughter Brianna had to undergo treatment for a tumour.

“When I first arrived, I was a bit nervous but when I walked through the door, the most amazing people were there to greet you. The hardest thing for us was to leave. It was an extremely emotional time. We will be forever grateful for everything the team at Ronald McDonald House has done to help us through these tough times in our journey” Darrin Steedman shared.

Steedman Family 2021

“The truth is, without Ronald McDonald House and everything that they do, our journey would have, and will be, one of more undue stress, anxiety, and more of a challenge that anyone should have to face.”

Vernal Family from Dunedin 2020

“We had of course heard about the House, but until you are living your worst nightmare, you can’t understand how much of a lifeline it is” Mum, Lea.

Jones Family from Dunedin 2018

The definition of Ronald McDonald House – a happy, positive place filled with love. In Ronald McDonald House whether it is in Christchurch, Auckland or Invercargill you are part of a community, you are not alone in your predicament and you have support.

We knew that for the people at Ronald McDonald House – its not just a job, but they were actively involved in our lives and they cared about how our day had been and what was happening with Jock.

They helped us celebrate special days like Birthdays, Christmas, Easter, mother and fathers days. They organised outings for our families , so we could have special times together. They gave us strength on really rough, challenging days and hugs when we needed them too. Ronald McDonald House has been a positive part of Jocks journey, they have walked the road with us.

Davies Family from Tapanui 2015

“The house meant we could be close to Manu and focus on his care rather than be distracted by the financial and emotional stress that living in a motel would have caused.”

Haggie family from Dunedin

“The House is the best thing, they will feed you when it is the last thing on our mind and they give you a bed when you need to sleep.”

Cawte Family from Dunedin