The story of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) began in 1974 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. It started with a simple but profound idea—parents should never have to be far from their hospitalised child. The first Ronald McDonald House was established to provide a safe and comforting space for families during their child’s medical treatment.
As RMHC expanded worldwide, the organisation became a cornerstone of support for families facing the challenges of childhood illness, with its Programs emphasising the importance of family-centred care. Today, RMHC spans 49 countries and regions, offering essential services to millions of families every year
Our Learning Program, launched in 1999, supports ill or injured children who have missed months or even years of school. This was a world-first Australian initiative to ensure that these children weren’t further disadvantaged by also falling behind at school. Providing one-on-one tuition from qualified teachers, the Program has significantly boosted the confidence and future prospects of children who have battled illness.
Today, thanks to the generosity of the community, our vital Partners, our incredible staff and our tireless volunteers, we support more than 64,000 families each year.
At RMHC Australia, we respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, skies and waterways on which we gather today. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. We celebrate the resilience and strength of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, the next generation of storytellers, Custodians, and leaders. We are honoured to support and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples including families with ill or injured children, so together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for every child.
Parents don’t know when their child will need medical help. But they should know they can always access the care they need. And with your help, we can strive to support them all throughout their journey.