Southland Family Room Turns 5

December 12, 2018 marked five years since the Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital was opened – the world’s most southern Ronald McDonald House facility.

Since the Family Room’s doors opened in 2013, the facilities have provided a ‘home-away-from-home’ for 685 family visits which have accounted for 11,519 heads on pillows.

The Family Room celebrated this milestone with a special afternoon tea, attended by The Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt, past and present families, and supporters.

Ronald McDonald House South Island CEO Mandy Kennedy says the organisation is humbled to be able to support so many families so they can focus on what matters most – their child.

“From Room Sponsors to regular baking volunteers and event supporters – the Southland community has really got behind the Family Room.

“This Birthday Celebration is not only a milestone for our team and all the families who have walked through our doors, it is a chance to say thank you to Southland for embracing the Family Room over the past five years.”

Photo caption: The first family to find solace in the Family Room was the Jones family from Queenstown, who welcomed twins Ivy and Hudson 10 weeks early in December 2013. Ivy and Hudson just celebrated their fifth birthday in December, and mum Nicky says it is incredible to see how far the twins have come since their premature arrival.