Meet Jo. She’s a committed volunteer housekeeper at Ronald McDonald Parkville and North Fitzroy, with a huge heart and a decades-long connection to our organisation.
26 years ago, when Jo and her young family lived in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, her daughter was admitted to intensive care. “It was a long drive for us to come in”, she remembers. But there we were, offering a safe place to stay together near the hospital – like we always have. Jo and her partner took turns staying at our House and caring for their older child and eventually, her daughter made “a full recovery”.
Two years ago, decades on from that challenging time, Jo found herself an “empty-nester”. And Ronald McDonald House “seemed like the perfect place to give back”. She signed up to volunteer, walked through our doors and has been part of our wonderful community ever since.
“We’re all part of something bigger than us. It gives me a sense of being part of a community – just like the families get when they stay here.”
Jo’s still astounded by how hard our staff and volunteers work – motivated by their genuine desire to care for people who need it. “Nothing’s too hard for them”, she gushes. “Meals are provided. There are snacks and drinks. There’s always someone families can talk to. There’s a learning centre. And there’s a car that can drop families off at appointments.”
Under our roof, Jo watches families connect and share stories over coffee in the kitchen. She sees how we keep family units together, so siblings can stay close and understand what’s happening. And when a family gets to go home, she sees hope in the eyes of those still staying with us.
“It’s a place where people who need it can come and get unconditional help and support – hopefully going away feeling better than when they arrived.”
“It’s just a really nice way for me to say thank you”, says Jo, looking back on her experience 26 years ago. Her advice to someone considering volunteering? “Go for it. You’ll feel really good about yourself. You’re helping people”.