Parents with children who are often distressed and looking for a warm and safe environment close to Orange hospital where their child is receiving emergency treatment.

Since Ronald McDonald House took in its first family three weeks ago, there has been a steady stream of activity at the house as beds are prepared, and families in emergency situations arrive after often following an ambulance to Orange and  in need of a place of respite.

However the demand at Orange  Ronald McDonald House (RMH) has put pressure on the existing volunteer base and the call is out to the people of Orange who haven’t yet considered volunteering their services to come forward.

RMH executive officer  Rebecca Walsh said the usual bout of illness in the community during winter has already impacted on volunteers who are not well enough to fulfil their shifts.

“We are really looking for more people to come forward and help us out on the roster,” she said.

Volunteers can put their name down to help out in a variety of ways including cleaning, dinner meal programs in the early evening, administration, and overnight supervision.

“One of the recurring themes from our parents who have been staying here is that the house has been a haven - a safe and warm place for them with their families while they wait for the health outcomes of their child,” Ms Walsh said.

She said although there are currently 93 volunteers ‘on the books at the house, sickness and work commitments mean not all people are available at the same time to be allocated a shift on the roster.

So far families from Tarana, Forbes, Cowra, and as far away as Albury, Canberra and the South Coast have used the house as Orange is the closest medical facility that offers the range of specialist services required for their child.

Families are not charged for their stay, and may only stay at the house through NSW Health staff referrals, with a percentage of the money needed for accommodation recovered through government subsidy schemes.

If you would like to become a volunteer at Orange Ronald McDonald House please call the executive officer Rebecca Walsh on 0418 681 352