First local Ronald McDonald House will open in 2016

The House is scheduled to open simultaneously with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) in December 2016.

NMCHT was established in 2009 to realise Madiba’s dream of a specialised hospital for the children of Southern Africa. RMHC South Africa believed in this vision and pledged to build a special house to accommodate families of children being treated in the Hospital.

“Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital will be world class and it is fitting that RMHC South Africa chose our facility for their first Ronald McDonald House programme to accommodate families in Africa,” says Nana Magomola, deputy chairperson, NMCHT. “We congratulate RMHC South Africa on reaching this phase of the project, and we look forward to reaching new heights in our partnership to help serve the critical needs of children and families.”

NMCH will be a tertiary paediatric facility whose services will complement existing hospitals in Southern Africa. Patients that need specialised surgeries will be transferred to the NMCH. The House will provide accommodations and a supportive communal environment to parents while their sick children are being treated.

“The RMHC system, including our network of 300 local RMHC Chapters worldwide, is a vital part of the healthcare continuum and a catalyst for bringing people together to find solutions and provide programs that strengthen families during difficult times,” says Sphiwe Reginald Skhosana, chairperson of RMHC South Africa. “We are delighted to expand our presence globally and help enable family-centered care and provide critical psychosocial support to families so they can focus on the needs of their ill child.”

The RMHC South Africa Capital Campaign target to build the House at NMCH is R15-million. R13-million has been raised to date with pledges from McDonald’s South Africa of R5-million and Standard Bank of R2-million. McDonald’s South Africa also committed to 60% of operational costs for the first five years.

For more information, visit rmhcsouthafrica.org. Alternatively connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.