Stepping out of the McDonalds kitchen and into the Ronald McDonald kitchen, a team of McDonalds employees from Echuca and Deniliquin joined forces to offer its time and cooking skills to the North Fitzroy Ronald McDonald House.
While the Maccas restaurants in Echuca and Deniliquin survived on skeleton staff, five Echuca employees and two Deniliquin employees were selected to head to the house and lend a helping hand on May 24.
Upon arriving at the house, they received a tour of the facility and participated in informative discussions about how the house works and which programs they have on offer, such as the tutoring program.
They also cooked meals for families residing in the house, who have sick children in hospital.
Echuca McDonald’s licensee Scott Moller said they selected a number of popular dinner and snack items for guests staying in the house.
“We made sausage rolls, quiche, fried rice and Anzac biscuits,” said Mr Moller.
“We bought all the ingredients for the meals and also purchased some additional items that we stocked their fridge and pantry with.”
Mr Moller said it was an enlightening and educational experience for all of the staff involved.
“It was an insightful experience for all of us because we really got a glimpse of the behind the scenes. We were then able to physically see what all of our fundraising efforts have been going towards,” he said.
Mr Moller said that it was the first time that the two McDonalds restaurants had ever done something like this before, but it might not be the last.
“We will certainly endeavour to do something like this again in the future because it not only was a rewarding experience, but the real value of it was that we were able to take a bit of pressure away from these families who are already going through a difficult time.
“Although we didn’t see any of the family members, you still feel a bit of pride that you have done something for someone else who could really do with some help.
“It was well worth it by all accounts.”
Mr Moller and his wife, Courtney Moller, also have a personal connection to the Ronald McDonald House in North Fitzroy.
“We sponsor a room in the house which basically means that we pay for a family to stay in that room for 12 months,” he said.
“It meant a lot for us to be able to see that the room was being put to good use and providing a roof over a family in need.”
Other options that individuals can take on to help out the Ronald McDonald House Charities involve monthly donations, adopting a pantry — which essentially involves paying $250 per year to go towards groceries or by donating direct from your pre-tax salary.
If you want to know how you can help the Ronald McDonald House Charity today, then take a look online at https://www.rmhcvictas.org.au/victasfundraise