The Ronald McDonald Family Retreat will help the families of seriously ill children spend time together in New Zealand.

The Ronald McDonald Family Retreat will provide families and their seriously ill children with a free and comfortable holiday destination when they need it the most and often can least afford it.

The first Ronald McDonald Family Retreat is being built in Rotorua. The location was chosen to be close to popular family activities and attractions. The house will be comfortable and homely to ensure families can make the most of their time together.

Families of sick children will be allowed one week to enjoy a holiday together free of charge. We will do all we can to make this a special time for them. 

Progress from the Building Site

On the 1st May, 39 Operiana Street, Ngongotaha was blessed by local Kaumatua Mita Mohi, accompanied by his grandsons - for us all this was the start of the next phase - the blessing was followed by the "turning of the sod".

The photos shown were taken on 13th October 2008 and show the progress that has been made since May - despite our winter weather conditions, builder John Gordon is confident that both houses will be completed in December.

This project has been made possible because of the generous support we have received to date and continue to receive.

Significant donations have been made by:

-  Lions Clubs throughout the country
-  BayTrust
-  Numerous business and individuals who have "brought a brick"
-  Gala Auction Dinner Fundraiser
-  Diamond Dinner Fundraiser
-  Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust

Also business that have given us in-kind support to date include:

Amalgamated Roofing Ltd, Aquavent Mechanical Services, Bill Holden Landscape Design, BSK Engineers, Campbell Contracting Ltd, Carters Building Supplies, Classic Colours, Davidson's Doors, Diamond Roofing Ltd, Duncan Realty, Elliott Architects, Feltex Carpets, Firth Industries Ltd, Hepburn Electrical, John Gordon Builders Ltd, KLM Joinery, Landscapes NZ Ltd, McBeth Plumbing & Staff, McDonald's Restaurants (NZ) Ltd, MoreFM, MTEC Planning/Surveyors, Nulook Joinery Direct, NZ Temporary Fencing, NZC Tileworks, Palmers Gardens, Pierlight Ltd, Plumbing World, R&B Consultants Ltd, Resene Paints & Waste Management.

Please help.

We have nearly reached our fundraising target. Help us turn this dream into a reality. Your donation towards this project will ensure we can give up to 100 families every year the opportunity of having a holiday as a family and creating wonderful memories.

Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ develops and supports programmes that help children lead happier, healthier lives.