Imagine you’ve just received the worst news possible.
Your child is seriously-ill and you need to relocate your family to receive the life-saving treatment that they need.
Sadly, this is the reality for thousands who call Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Newcastle their “home away from home”.
On many occasions, these families travel more than 100km for critical medical treatment for their sick child.
They often find themselves facing financial hardship due to missed work and the cost of care required for their children.
Almost always, they’re in an exceptionally difficult state – emotionally, mentally and physically, too.
On Thursday 26 March and Friday 27 March, six prominent local business leaders – Weston Workers Club CEO Anthony Burke, Kneumo Hospitality director Deane Moore, Westrac general manager people and culture Nicole Issaakidis, CBA executive general manager Nick Abraham, TJL Business Advisors & Accountants director Tony Lumtin and HBT OE sales and contracts manager Chelsea Atkinson – will take part in the annual CEO Walk in My Shoes.
They’ll gain a first-hand understanding of what these parents and carers go through on a daily basis.
And, they will also get an opportunity to see what it takes to create the best and most-supportive possible environment for a family… and come to know those staying at the RMH.
“Unless you’ve been in the unfortunate position of having a seriously-ill child, it’s difficult to truly understand the impact our facility and wrap-around services can have in supporting others during one of the most tumultuous times of their lives,” Ronald McDonald House Charities CEO Ross Bingham said.
“During the CEO Walk in My Shoes initiative, I’m proud to be able to share with the participating local business leaders the difference we can create together for the families from across Northern NSW who rely on us.”
The overnight immersion experience will run for a total of 22 hours.
And, offering the business leaders a full understanding of what it’s like for a family staying at Ronald McDonald House includes:
- Cooking and serving dinner and breakfast to House families
- Being guided through real life scenarios, gaining a sound understanding of what families go through including the demands of the local hospital treating a child
- Using skills and knowledge within a group to tackle a business issue
- Gaining a unique insight on what it takes to run RMH and create a true sense of empathy for the families that stay there
For more community stories:
- Community campaign launched to secure Newcastle’s maritime heritage
- Tocal graduates set for success in agricultural sector
- Pacific National collaboration drives operational growth at Mai-Wel Enterprises
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