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Australian Sleepover
Every few weeks, Lola and her daughter Debbie pack their overnight bags and check into the Ronald McDonald House in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
They stay, not as guests, but as overnight volunteers. Debbie’s husband also volunteers at the House.
The House Manager knows firsthand how the smallest gesture can make a profound difference to families in distress. Debbie’s son, James, passed away from cancer several years ago, but his family was able to stay together during his hospitalizations and treatment with the help of the Ronald McDonald House at Westmead.
Debbie looks back on those days at the House with fondness, not sadness, and recognizes the importance of having support from staff, volunteers and other families. The local rugby club took James to games when he felt well enough, and he loved to play with other kids at the House. “The House really was our home,” Debbie says. “We feel it’s only right to give something back.”
The House really was our home while our son was in hospital. We feel it’s only right to give something back.
- Debbie
