Meals from the Heart

By Ms Tracey Markovic, Assistant Head of Junior School Operations

Ronald McDonald House is an independent charity that relies on the work of volunteers and the financial support of individual and corporate donations. Uniquely located inside the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Ronald McDonald House Canberra gives seriously ill children the best gift of all – their families. The warm and supportive home-away-from-home provides the whole family with a comfortable place to stay and peace of mind, knowing they can stay together.

Ronald McDonald House Canberra allows up to ten families to stay at the hospital at any one time. Each Tuesday and Friday evening, local workplaces can volunteer their time to cook together to create a ‘Meal from the Heart’. These meals are available to all families staying in the house, so they can sit down and enjoy a home-cooked dinner.

Over the past few weeks, two groups of Junior School staff have spent their Friday evenings donning their aprons and hairnets to cook up a storm for the families. The event was not just about cooking; it was also a journey of learning, bonding and giving back for all the staff involved. Everyone revelled in the joy of working together towards a common goal, all while creating dishes that delighted the senses.

Each event saw our enthusiastic Junior School staff gather in the Ronald McDonald House kitchen to create delectable dishes that would make even the most seasoned chefs proud. From sizzling burgers and perfect pasta to mouth-watering desserts such as sticky date pudding, staff put their creativity and teamwork on display as they whipped up an array of dishes for residents to share.

Ultimately, the dishes prepared with love and care were not just a testament to the staff's culinary prowess, but also a heart-warming gift to those staying at Ronald McDonald House.

Did you know? It takes 75 volunteers to run Ronald McDonald House Canberra. There are many different ways for individuals and businesses to support Ronald McDonald Charities. For more information, please visit volunteering and how to help.

Remember, every small act of compassion has the power to create a ripple effect of positive change.