Keeping families close

Then and Now: Millie-Rose Cowan

The House had been their home in 2016 and 2017 when Millie-Rose, then aged 3, was receiving treatment for Metastatic Neuroblastoma. Now seven-years-old, the memories of what happened at the House are somewhat distant, but the people who helped her through the tough time are firmly engraved in her... Read more about It’s been three years since Millie-Rose Cowan, mum Carole and brother Xavier from Dunedin last stepped foot into Ronald McDonald House South Island.

A year in the life of Stevie, Clint and Baby Harvey

Stevie and her partner Clinton have already spent 53 nights at Ronald McDonald House South Island before and after Harvey was born, and will be back and forth during the year. I suppose our journey first started when I went into labour at 26 weeks. I was on the West Coast and was still working. I... Read more about In this new series, Stevie White from the West Coast shares her family’s journey over the year as they seek treatment for baby Harvey’s cleft palate. 1 in 700 children are affected by cleft palate.

Sibling Love

“My blood pressure was really high, so they made me stay in hospital overnight after the scan. The next day, my blood pressure just wouldn’t go down so they decided to take him out,” Linda says. Te Taitonga was born on November 4, almost two months before his 1 January due date. For 31 nights, th... Read more about When Linda Paekau-Lorimer of Gore went to have a routine pre-natal scan in Invercargill in December, she never imagined two days later her baby boy Te Taitonga would be born.

Volunteer Spotlight - Barbara Robertson

I started volunteering at the House in 2004. Back then I was working at a school and would come on Fridays for a couple of hours. I retired not long after and Friday afternoons at the House became my new ‘job’ and my new gym regime – I walk all over the House so it keeps me fit. I love help... Read more about A veteran volunteer at the Christchurch House, Barbara Robertson shares what keeps her coming back.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kitty Eglinton

I always thought it was cool that one of my colleagues was a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House South Island. When she moved overseas earlier this year I realised the House would have a gap in the volunteer team and knew this was something I could fill. I now come in weekly and tidy common areas,... Read more about Kitty Eglinton has been volunteering at the Christchurch House for just 6 months. She shares what keeps her coming back.

Real Life Superhero - Manaia Huntley

  After 72 nights on-and-off at Ronald McDonald House South Island, and the successful completion of son Manaia’s treatment for a brain tumour, it’s hard not to reflect on their journey. “We had been worried for some time that something wasn’t quite right as Manaia was getting lots of what w... Read more about It’s been a whirlwind year for the Huntley family of Marlborough. 

Halloween Hits Ronald McDonald House South Island

One heck of a spoooooky and creative meal! Brain bhaji, vampire burgers, mummy hotdogs, spooky pumpkin donuts, ghostly mini cakes, and ‘dirt and worms’ were all on the menu for the 30 parents and children staying at Ronald McDonald House in Christchurch on Halloween night. Ronald McDonald House S... Read more about What do you get when the Executive Chef from The George Hotel and his team cook for families staying at Ronald McDonald House South Island on Halloween?

Welcome to our Home: The Kitchen

If you’ve ever walked into the Christchurch House early in the morning and been met by the homely smell of carrot cake, cheese puffs, or muffins then you’ve probably encountered Janice Cannon. Janice has been part of the Ronald McDonald House South Island family since March 2019 when she came fro... Read more about "Cooking is love made visible"

Our story: Moonga Family

  In May, they were transferred to Southland Hospital and stayed in the Ronald McDonald Family Room for 50 days as the twins continued to gain weight. The ability to have her family close, including husband Jonathon and children Jay-Jay and Rebecca was a godsend. “We are forever grateful tha... Read more about The dramatic arrival of twins Rachelle and Rochelle, born at 23 weeks was one of the scariest moments for Sovinah Moonga and her family.

The life-saving power of Friendship

For the first time in his life, Levi has a friend. A best friend. “Levi’s recovery has been slow because he’s never had someone to recover with. But since meeting Hammad, he’s started fighting for his recovery, he’s started fighting for his life,” Nicole says. Levi, who has an undiagnosed conditi... Read more about As Nicole Maaka watches her son Levi zoom around Ronald McDonald House South Island’s Christchurch house with Hammad, 7, her heart melts.