In its first two years the house has accommodated 220 families while their children underwent treatment at Orange Health Service.

This has amounted to 1830 nights of free accommodation, which has alleviated financial pressures on the families.

Guests have come from a wide area of NSW – which is comprised of five health districts – as well as the ACT and Victoria.

Among them were Rachel, Ray, Ann and Crystal Hills, who travelled from Wodonga, Victoria for the occasion.

Mrs Hills said her family made the longl trip for the occasion because the house was so important to her family while her niece Crystal was in hospital.

“It was fantastic, we couldn’t have been more thankful,” she said.

“It was close to the hospital, Crystal was able to come over and spend time with the family.

“The staff were just amazing, they went above and beyond helping us.”

Jodie and Kane Wyburn and their children Lilly and Logan travelled from Parkes.

Lilly was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of two and has had two bone marrow transplants.

She is undergoing treatment three times a month in preparation for a lung transplant and the accommodation at RMHO means the family can alternate between Orange Health Service and The Children’s Hospital Westmead.

“It’s a lot easier than staying in a hotel. Everything’s here for you,” Mrs Wynburn said.

Gloria Milson from Condobolin said RMHO gave her family a place to stay during their time of need.

“They opened their doors for us when we had nowhere to stay,” she said.

“It’s good to see them getting out there and putting their heart and soul into it.

“They’re opening their arms up and that’s what I love about it.”

The service has been supported by a team of 150 volunteers, who were acknowledged for their efforts with a certificate of gratitude and a small gift from Ronald McDonald House management.

RMHO executive officer Rebecca Walsh said it was clear families, staff and volunteers were all passionate about the house.

“I think it’s shown by the fact that we’ve had families travel extensively to come back because this place means so much to them,” Ms Walsh said.

“We’ve got volunteers that travel an hour to come and volunteer for the house.

“I think that’s a testament to country communities. The passion, the resilience and the fact that they want their community to thrive and survive.”

Ronald McDonald House board member Joanne Lewis said the connection the families had with the volunteers was special.

“You can build a house but you can’t have the care and trust these people give to the families,” she said.

“They make them so special in a time when they don’t feel special.”

Visit www.rmhc.org.au/page/rmh-orange to learn more about RMHO.