Queensland Country Bank have been inducted in the Ronald McDonald House Charities Hall of Fame in recognition of their ongoing significant contribution to the charity through volunteering and fundraising activities, including sponsorship and operation of the Hospitality Cart at Mount Isa Base Hospital.
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Denise Lumsden, Chief Executive Officer, RMHC North Australia said Queensland Country Bank was deserving of the prestigious award, which is only available to Board members, RMHC staff and supporters who have shaped the Charity to what it is today by demonstrating long, significant and inspirational service that is widely recognised.
"We were so proud to nominate Queensland Country Bank for their ongoing significant contribution to help support both RMHC North Australia and RMHC South East Queensland, and we're delighted the RMHC Australia Board agrees they deserve a place in our Hall of Fame," Ms Lumsden said.
"Queensland Country staff actively give back through their corporate volunteering program, contributing hours of invaluable support through community events, fundraising and participating in cooking programs to provide meals to families in both Brisbane and Townsville.
"Other examples include attending Golf Days, sharing RMHC family stories, assisting with the Hospitality Cart in Mount Isa and supporting the Northern Territory with a new education scholarship."
Ms Lumsden said Queensland Country Bank was one of the very first sponsors of the Hospitality Cart at Mount Isa Base Hospital, the first of its kind in Australia, and they continue to play an integral role in its operation.
"Queensland Country Bank were incredibly quick to answer our call for support when we were getting the Hospitality Cart up and running, and their continued involvement ensuring the cart remains fully stocked means that we can continue to provide practical care items direct to sick children and their families on the hospital ward."
Ms Lumsden said that their nomination acknowledged Queensland Country's organisational values as key to their success as leaders of cultural excellence, and align well to assisting RMHC to support seriously ill children and their families, when they need each other most.
"With support from the leadership team, care, excellence and compassion flow throughout all levels and across departments of Queensland Country throughout the state, encouraging staff to engage with their local communities." she said.
"We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Queensland Country to support our mission to improve the health and well-being of seriously ill children and their families through practical care programs."
Queensland Country Group Chief Executive Officer Aaron Newman said they were surprised and delighted with the recognition.
"To be inducted in to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Hall of Fame is certainly something we weren't expecting, and we feel very honoured to receive this award," Mr Newman said.
"Our staff have a genuine connection to Ronald McDonald House Charities and enjoy volunteering their time at the House and participating in fundraising activities.
"Over the years of our close partnership with RMHC, we've been able to see first-hand the vital role they play in keeping families connected when they need it the most. As a member-owned bank that places value on people and communities, it's really important to us that we can support that."
Mr Newman said that instigating the Queensland Country Good for Good Community Grants four years ago had proven to be a successful way to achieve additional fundraising revenue for RMHC.
"An element of the Queensland Country Good for Good Community Grants involves the concept of paying it forward, with grant recipients committing to fundraise 10% of their grant amount for Queensland Country Bank's charity partner, Ronald McDonald House Charities," Mr Newman explained.
"In most cases, grant recipients exceed the nominated amount, and it is an opportunity for them to start their own relationship with supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities."
RMHC North Australia supports sick kids and their families from across north Australia through its practical programs including a hospital-adjacent House, a Family Room at Townsville University Hospital, Family Retreat in Palm Cove, a Hospitality Cart at Mount Isa Base Hospital, and a Learning Program to assist children with keeping up with their studies while they cannot attend school.
To date, the Hospitality Cart at Mount Isa Base Hospital has supported 255 families on ward at Mount Isa Base Hospital and has given out 983 items, such as activity books, water, snacks, eye masks, deodorant, toys, and books. Anyone interested in volunteering to operate the cart can email volunteers.na@rmhc.org.au
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
