At Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania (RMHC VIC & TAS), we are honoured to celebrate the incredible legacy of Joan Heard and Muriel Morrish, an extraordinary couple from the outskirts of Bendigo, whose generous bequest continues to support families with seriously ill children.
Joan and Muriel were lifelong partners, educators, and adventurers. Though they didn’t have children of their own, their lives were filled with compassion and a deep connection to families with seriously ill children. Moved by the mission of our work, they made the heartfelt decision to include Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania as a significant beneficiary in their will, a gesture that will continue to make a meaningful difference in families lives for years to come.
To honour Joan and Muriel’s legacy, our Early Years and Learning Program team hosted a special storytelling activity based on the beautifully illustrated book “THE GIRL that could AND THE GIRL CALLED JOAN that did.” Inspired by Joan’s life, the book shares a message of courage, kindness and inspiration.
As part of the activity, children visiting Family Rooms at Monash Hospital and Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospitals were invited to listen to the book reading and reflect on their own dreams. The children then added their handprint, along with a drawing or words about what they’d like to be when they grow up, to a permanent “Belonging Tree” which will remain as a symbol of inspiration in our Family Rooms.
Each handprint on the tree represents hope, imagination, and the belief that even in difficult times, children can still dream big.
