- Organisation supported: Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) New Zealand, Auckland
- Project details: A grant to refurbish two bathrooms at Ronald McDonald House Auckland Domain
- Four Winds Foundation grant funding allocated: $50,000
For families with a child in hospital, simple comforts can make a world of difference.
Thanks to the ongoing support of the Four Winds Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) New Zealand continues to provide safe, welcoming spaces for families facing some of the toughest times of their lives.
Each year, RMHC NZ supports close to 4,500 families travelling for critical care, offering accommodation across eight facilities nationwide. In Auckland alone, 2,945families stayed in 2024, with 53% of nights provided to families from regions where Four Winds operates including Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, and Wellington.
Four Winds has supported RMHC NZ for several years, most recently funding the refurbishment of two bathrooms at Ronald McDonald House Auckland Domain. Completed earlier this year, the upgrades transformed dated spaces into clean, modern, and calming environments.
“Families appreciate the comfort of their own facilities at the end of a long day on the ward,” says Wayne Howett, RMHC NZ’s CEO. “A lovely bathroom featuring a hot shower and all the amenities they need lends to how comfortable they feel and is greatly appreciated by families.”
With more than 1,100 families staying at Domain House each year and occupancy around 80%, well-maintained bathrooms are essential. “Having a bathroom out of order means one less family we are able to house on site,” Wayne continues.
“Without the generosity of the Four Winds Foundation, we would not be able to maintain our bathroom facilities to such a high standard, and risk having to put rooms out of order until we can raise the funds by other means to carry out the refurbishments”
Four Winds is proud to support RMHC NZ in helping families stay close during treatment, offering not just a place to stay, but a true home away from home.
This support is appreciated by the families who stay at Domain House, too. As one family shared: “Offering us a safe, beautiful space at no financial burden to us, meant we could be with our loved ones without having the added worry. Thank you... We are grateful.”
