History
Offering a home away from home for more than 35 years
Offering a home away from home for more than 35 years
The Ronald McDonald House in Parkville was Australia’s second and 90th Ronald McDonald House globally. Now there are over 380 Houses in 45 countries.
The House’s success is thanks to many long-time supporters who have helped families and kept things running smoothly. When it opened, the 18-room facility in four big terrace houses made a huge difference right away.
Before, families had to sleep in hospital playrooms, chairs by beds, cars, or split up between home and relatives in Melbourne. Now they had their own rooms where the whole family could stay together. They had warm showers, shared kitchens, and laundry facilities – it felt like a real home.
The immediate impact was also seen through the wonderful support networks and long–lasting friendships formed between families who knew what each and every one was going through.
From 2005 on, we have experienced significant changes and growth to our operations. Several expansions to our facilities have seen the House grow to 52 rooms. The implementation of the Ronald McDonald Learning Program has ensured more than 350 students receive tutoring support each year.
Ronald McDonald Family Rooms were developed on site at Wodonga Hospital, Joan Kirner Women and Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital. These much-needed respite facilities are now part of a growing program of 263 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in 28 countries.
In 2017 a merge of Ronald McDonald House Parkville, Ronald McDonald House Monash and Ronald McDonald House Hobart saw the birth of our Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania Chapter. This gave way for holistic care for families travelling up from Tasmania and those travelling between Victorian Hospitals to care for their seriously ill child.
In 2018 through the very generous support of the Vaccari Foundation, we opened a fourth Ronald McDonald House at Casa Elda Vaccari in North Fitzroy.
For over 35 years, we have cared for more than 500,000 families in the most difficult times they’ve ever faced.
We can’t thank our donors, supporters, volunteers and staff for making this possible.
Parents don’t know when their children will need medical help. But they should know they can always access the care they need. And with your help, we can support them all throughout their journey.
