Charity Spotlight: Ronald McDonald House
Helping families to face the weight of illness together
We'd like to know about your charity. Tell us who you are and what inspired the creation of your charity.
Since the House opened in 2004 we have been a home to over 5,000 families from all over Ireland. The House has 16 ensuite family bedrooms, 3 kitchens, a dining room, a TV room, a toddlers room and a utility room. We also have an outdoor play area for children and a small garden. There is also a 4 bedroom house situated directly across from the main house at 45 St. Mary's Drive, Crumlin which provides an additional 4 family bedrooms.
Money needed to support our House and the families living here is raised each year through our many fundraising events with support from the public and families and friends of those who have stayed with us. Currently, we are focused on building our new 52 bedroom Ronald McDonald House alongside the New Children's Hospital.
What impact does your work have on the community?
Children whose families stay at The Ronald McDonald House tend to be very sick, they have travelled the furthest distances for care and spend the longest time in the hospital. Our House allows families to access the best medical care for their child in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, and being nearby helps children heal and cope better together.
We proudly provide over 11,000 meals a year to our families and collectively save them approximately €700,000 annually. Since opening 20 years ago we have cared for over 5,000 families from across the country.
Would you like to share a success story that really represents what you do?
Claire and Joe arrived from Co. Leitrim with their two boys, Arthur and baby Oscar. Oscar was in Crumlin hospital since the day he was, and while he was cared for in Crumlin, we had to privilege of looking after his family for 397 nights in the Ronald McDonald House. Oscar is a remarkable little boy, full of fight and mischief, with a smile identical to his Mam's. He's adored by everyone who meets him, and the love that surrounds him filled the House every day. Arthur, his proud big brother, spent holidays and weekends with us, even earning his own desk in our office. He kept us laughing and brought so much happiness to our days. Arthur became the star of our Thanks a Million Christmas campaign.
How has being part of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon supported your charity's mission?
Being part of the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon has made a huge difference to Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland. Every year, we’re blown away by the amazing women who choose to run for us.....they bring so much energy, heart, and positivity. Their fundraising helps us keep families close to their seriously ill children by supporting our accommodation and daily services.
The event also gives us a brilliant chance to reach new people and spread the word about what we do. Seeing past families, hospital staff, and long‑time supporters running in our t‑shirts always creates such a special buzz. It reminds the families staying with us that there’s a whole community behind them.
Overall, the Mini Marathon boosts our visibility, grows our supporter base, and plays a real role in helping us continue to offer a warm, supportive home‑from‑home to families when they need it most.
Contact Info:
Telephone: 0874600283 | Email: georgina.jones@rmhc.ie | Website: Home - Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland