At Ronald McDonald House Westmead, volunteers not only help families, but find a new family as well.

With the doors now open to the 60-room Ronald McDonald House Westmead, the contributions of volunteers have become more vital than ever.

The House is a “home away from home” for seriously ill children and their families who live more than 100km from Sydney.

Being able to access a room in the House eases the incredible stress and financial pressure that falls on families from across Australia when their child needs vital medical treatment in Sydney’s Westmead.

Even better, it allows the families to stay together in a welcoming, safe environment, rather than turning to sleeping in cars, or crashing in a chair in the hospital wards while the rest of the family stays home.

And while the dedicated crew of volunteers donate their time to help families stay together while their child is ill, the “Vollies” claim they benefit just as much as the families they support.

“I get so much joy even just putting my volunteering shirt on and coming to the house,” said Ronald McDonald House Westmead volunteer Lisa Maroun.

The Western Sydney local and business owner has been volunteering for almost three years, taking on evening shifts to oversee the Meals from the Heart program, as well as overnight volunteering shifts, which double as a chance to spend time with good friends who also volunteer.

“I can be having the most stressful day working for myself, in my own business, but walking into the House I forget all of that. It’s just a rewarding experience being able to give back.”

“It’s not only a home away from home for the families, but when I come here I feel like I’m walking into my second home.”

Ronald McDonald House Westmead welcomes new volunteers, who are open to committing just four hours a month to make an impact in the lives of seriously ill children and their families.

To find out more, please contact Volunteer Manager Josh Binns on (02) 9806 7111 or josh.binns@rmhc.org.au, or click through to apply online.