THE fourth Ronald McDonald House will open soon at Hospital Wanita dan Kanak-Kanak Sabah (HWKKS) in Sabah. This will be the first Ronald McDonald House in East Malaysia.
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malaysia is McDonald's Malaysia's Charity of Choice. Its mission is to create, find and support programmes that improve the health and wellbeing of underprivileged children nationwide.
One of the leading programmes of RMHC is the Ronald McDonald House, which is a temporary living space for parents and family members of children who are seeking medical treatment far from home.
This 'home away from home' concept was established so that families can have a comfortable and conducive environment during challenging times. The Ronald McDonald Houses are strategically situated within selected hospitals.
The newest addition of the Ronald McDonald House at HWKKS shows RMHC's commitment to serving the community. It is a strategically selected location, as HWKKS holds a pivotal role as a prominent referral hospital, serving as one of the central hubs for healthcare institutions across East Malaysia. Its specialisation in children's treatment and services aligns seamlessly with RMHC's mission to enhance the wellbeing of young patients.
The facilities in the Ronald McDonald House at HWKKS include 14 family rooms with attached bathrooms, a kitchen and dining area, a laundry facility with washers and dryers, a lounge area with TV and children's play area as well as male and female prayer rooms.
This collaborative effort by RMHC Malaysia and the Health Ministry is made possible through the generosity of the public. Donations are collected through RMHC coin boxes and self-ordering kiosks located at various McDonald's restaurants across the country.
The three other Ronald McDonald Houses in Malaysia are situated at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM-UKM) and Hospital Tunku Azizah in Kuala Lumpur as well as Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (Hospital USM) in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.
Globally, there are over 370 Ronald McDonald Houses, showcasing the company's commitment to supporting families who are in need.
RMHC also has other comprehensive programmes that encompass health, education and welfare. These include the Ronald McDonald Sensory Room, Gift of Smile and Back-to-School Pack Programme for underprivileged primary school children.
