Sponsors are making sure through their support that attendees of the Ronald McDonald House North Queensland Charity Ball have a great time in the elaborately decorated Mount Isa Civic Centre on Saturday night.

Ronald McDonald House North Queensland relationship and development manager Brad Hastewell described the charity ball as a way of “making fun matter”. 

The Mount Isa business community had not just been financially supportive but had also helped make sure Mr Hastewell was comfortable in the city in the lead-up to the event, having given him free accommodation and a car to drive in. 

Isadraulics’ owner Ryan Mackenzie said there was “no question” about supporting the charity ball considering the stories he heard of Mount Isa families who needed to stay at the Townsville based Ronald McDonald House for medical treatment. 

“It is a good social event and I’m also overwhelmed with the business support in these tough times which is good to see,” Mr Mackenzie said.  

Bell & Moir Toyota’s principal dealer Lee Pulman related to other parents who needed to leave the region to make sure their children were cared for. 

“Having four children ourselves, the youngest was born premature so I can understand people’s grief,” Mr Pulman said.

“Going to Townsville, having no hassles and being able to focus time and effort on their children getting them better, it’s a great cause.” 

Glencore’s Copper Assets North Queensland chief operating officer Mike Westerman said the company believed local health and ancillary services were important in developing sustainable communities. 

“Living in North West Queensland can often mean that specialist care is a long way from home, especially for premature babies,” Mr Westerman said. 

“And without access to the House a large number of families would need to go to great expense to be with their children while they undergo treatment.” 

About 340 people are expected to attend the ball.