The story of Ronald McDonald House began in 1974 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. It started with a simple but profound idea—parents should never have to be far from their hospitalised child. The first Ronald McDonald House was established to provide a safe and comforting space for families during their child’s medical treatment.
As Ronald McDonald House expanded worldwide, the organisation became a cornerstone of support for families facing the challenges of childhood illness, with its Programs emphasising the importance of family-centred care. Today, Ronald McDonald House spans 49 countries and regions, offering essential services to millions of families every year.
Our Learning Program, launched in 1999, supports ill or injured children who have missed months or even years of school. This was a world-first Australian initiative to ensure that these children weren’t further disadvantaged by also falling behind at school. Providing one-on-one tuition from qualified teachers, the Program has significantly boosted the confidence and future prospects of children who have battled illness.
Today, thanks to the generosity of the community, our vital Partners, our incredible staff and our tireless volunteers, we support more than 64,000 families each year.
