A Newborough woman is seeking community support to give back to a charity that helped her relatives through an emotional and difficult time.
Rachael Mayes is collecting donations of household items to give to Ronald McDonald House in Parkville, which is a “home-away-from-home” for hundreds of families every year.
Ms Mayes brother’s family stayed at the house on and off for 18 months, while their son Bailey Lang was being treated for brain and spinal tumours at the nearby Royal Children’s Hospital.
Bailey died on 1 June 2012 and Ms Mayes has since been waiting to give back to the RMH in a big way.
“We’ve been hoping they would release a ‘wish list’ for the past two years, so we could make our contribution and know it met their specific needs,” Ms Mayes.
“We all support the Good Friday Appeal, but we probably forget a bit about the families that are down there supporting their children.
“This is one way I can say thank you to the Ronald McDonald House for all they did for my family.”
Items on the list include stationery, toiletries, toys, games and kitchenware, which families require when they live at the house.
Ms Mayes said with these household items supplied, it provided one less stress for families, who often had to pack suddenly.
“Most people’s focus is 110 per cent on their children (when travelling to the house),” she said.
“They might not think to pack certain things and so when they get there these things will be available to them.”
Ms Mayes said she would accept donations dropped off at Steve Mayes Hairdressing, Shop 12, 36 George Street, Moe and take them to the house on Saturday, 5 July.
“My goal is to take a trailer with a cage around it filled with donations up to them,” Ms Mayes said, adding she hoped it would be the first of many trips.
She said for hygiene and safety all items must be new, except for console games and DVDs, which should still be in good condition.
For more information including items on the list email Ms Mayes on rjmayes@iinet.net.au or visit www.facebook.com/RMHParkville
