Wednesday 15 October 2008
Our guest speaker was Adrienne Pearson the General Manager of Ronald McDonald House. Adrienne was introduced by Keith Byrne.
Adrienne informed us that the main house can accommodate 18 families and a further 5 families can be accommodated in the five additional units which are located nearby.
The house provides accommodation to the families of sick and injured children who are receiving treatment at the Children’s Hospital and whose homes are located more than 100 kilometres from the hospital. The mother, father and siblings are provided with accommodation until the child is well enough to return home.
Adrienne gave us an example of a family from Coffs Harbour where the mother had given birth to twins prematurely at 27 weeks. The family were able to stay at the house until the twins were well enough to be flown to Coffs Harbour by air ambulance. The father was able to work in Sydney during their stay and the house was able to assist with the care of the other member of the family, a three year old girl, during their stay.
Adrienne in her role becomes part of these families’ lives while they are going through this tough time. Mothers are very distressed at having a seriously ill child and it is important for the fathers to be present to support the mother and the other children.
The house was the first Ronald McDonald House outside of the United States. A doctor from the Children’s Hospital had seen the great benefits provided by such a facility in the United States and had approached McDonalds on his return and they generously agreed to his request.
Adrienne pointed out that families that have used the house are very appreciative and frequently look for opportunities to give back. This also extends to the grandparents of the children.Adrienne also advised that many corporations assist by donating bread, milk, tea and other goods used at the house. A Rotary Club member had seen the need for shade sails at the house and following donations of materials and a cash donation from the Club the sails were erected at minimal cost.
Groups such as the Girl Guides and corporations occasionally prepare dinner for all the residents. These dinner nights provide an opportunity for the residents to have a chat with someone about what is happening in their lives.
McDonalds apart from assisting with the set up costs also assist with the annual expenses. Westpac has also assisted by providing an interest free loan in relation to part of the purchase price for the additional five units.
There are now 300 Ronald McDonald Houses around the world. Regular conferences are held for the general managers to meet and learn from each other.
Adrienne also advised us of the lengths that she and the others at the house will go to to ensure that the families get the best treatment possible. For example Adrienne insists on using the best mattresses on the beds so that people staying at the house can get the best nights sleep possible in their stressful circumstances. Adrienne also told us about Madie aged eight who was an Australian Idol fan and despite being in intensive care was able to attend the final at the Opera House and meet the contestants and the judges!
After answering questions Adrienne was thanked by Angelo Franco.