Supporting Kempsey Families through Ronald McDonald Family Retreat
At Kempsey Macleay RSL, we are proud to support Ronald McDonald Retreat Forster, which provide families facing the unimaginable challenges of childhood illness with a place to rest, recharge, and reconnect. These retreats offer families a much-needed reprieve from hospital stays and medical appointments, creating space to focus on quality time together.
Ronald McDonald Nothern NSW team informed us of some local statistics and is why we found it so vital to help!
In the past three years, “43 Kempsey families have faced the reality of supporting a child through a life-threatening illness.” This journey places an enormous strain on family networks, both emotionally and financially. The Ronald McDonald Retreat exist to help relieve that burden. “Located in Forster, the cabins and picturesque setting offer a calm, relaxing environment for families and children to unwind and recharge, reducing stress and fatigue. The Retreat provides valuable time for families to connect and enjoy quality moments together. It also allows sick children and their siblings to take a break from focusing on illness and simply be kids.”
Between 2022 and 2024, five Kempsey families have already benefited from these retreats, including Troy’s family. After a serious accident left Troy with an acquired brain injury, his family found hope and respite during their stay, celebrating an early Christmas together. His mum shared how the retreat gave Troy a sense of independence and her family the chance to recharge: “Troy usually needs constant support with his daily needs, but in the accessible cabins, he felt so comfortable he was doing everything himself. This holiday was exactly what our family needed.”
To strengthen this vital service, Kempsey Macleay RSL has proudly donated $7,500 to Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW. This donation directly supports the continuation of retreats for local families who may otherwise never have the chance to take a break. In 2020, RMHC Australia commissioned Social Ventures Australia to undertake an evaluation and they highlighted the impact of this program, finding that “for every $1 invested in the Family Retreat program, it creates $2.60 in economic and social value to the broader community.” Families save an average of $3,000 per visit, with “81% of families experiencing improved physical and emotional wellbeing” and “75% of families stating they would not have been able to afford a holiday” without this program.
In addition to our donation, we are raising further funds through the sale of McHappy Socks in Tabatinga. Each pair purchased helps ensure these retreats remain accessible for families who need them most. It’s a simple way we can all contribute to making a big difference.
We are honoured to stand alongside RMHC Nothern NSW in their mission to support families from Kempsey and across Northern NSW. Together, we can help provide the time, space, and support that families need to feel connected and cared for during life’s most difficult challenges.
Read more community stories here, or to apply for club grants read more here!
