IT was a special occasion indeed when Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia chief executive officer Malcolm Coutts OAM was shown around the new Ronald McDonald House Orange yesterday.
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Mr Coutts said he was impressed by the spacious interior, the grounds and the size of the house.
“We are building a multi-story Ronald McDonald House in Brisbane at the moment and it is being built on a block of ground that isn’t any where near the size of this one in Orange,” he said.
Mr Coutts said he was particularly gratified to know the house in Orange would respond to the growing need for services for young people with a mental illness and their families.
“There is no doubt this is an area of increasing demand and we are pleased to be able to respond,” he said.
Mr Coutts said it would be interesting to see how many families from across the region would be helped by the accommodation and support provided at the Orange house.
“This is the 15th house to be built in Australia and we are very proud,” he said.
“It is also good to see provision has been made in the plan for future expansion.”
This week the Ronald McDonald House Orange board and volunteers have worked around the clock to unpack the furniture, fittings and beds that have been delivered to the house in readiness for the opening.
The house will welcome its first families in December.
The first stage of the house includes all the main infrastructure such as communal living areas, play rooms, computer and learning areas and rooms for eight families.
Funds are still needed to pay for the completion of Ronald McDonald House and to fund the future expansion.
To donate to the project contact Rebecca Walsh on 0418 681 352.
