RMHC Charity Golf Tournament raises RM440,000 for construction of Ronald McDonald House at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan

Ronald McDonald House Charities’ (RMHC) Charity Golf Tournament has successfully raised RM440,000 for the construction of the new Ronald McDonald House at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Hospital USM) in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. The annual golf tournament which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year received overwhelming support with many donating generously to ensure that RMHC’s vision of championing children health and welfare continues to be realised.

RMHC Malaysia vice president Victor Sim said the substantial amount of funds raised is a testament of how McDonald’s key business partners were very much committed towards supporting charitable causes and being gracious in playing their part for the greater good of the society.

“We are humbled and appreciative of the generous donations and pledges given by McDonald’s business partners. Ensuring these families and especially their children receive better opportunities in life is our goal here at RMHC. Every sen that is donated makes a huge difference in helping RMHC keep families together,” said Sim.

The first Ronald McDonald House was built at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre nearly 20 years ago and continues to serve the needs of families from the low-income group. Meanwhile, the second Ronald McDonald House which will be at Hospital USM is scheduled to be completed and ready to welcome families during the first quarter of 2019. The families are already expressing their eagerness at having affordable accommodation spaces while their children seek long-term treatment at Hospital USM.

Profesor Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Sukari Halim, Hospital USM Director & USM Health Campus Director, said that the new Ronald McDonald House would be extremely beneficial because many families who have ill children seeking treatment at the hospital are from low-income groups.

“As much as possible, we want these families to stay close together as the treatment process can be long and stressful. Some families have to travel from faraway locations which could sometimes take up to two hours. With the soon to be completed Ronald McDonald house at Hospital USM providing affordable accommodation for the family, the parents’ primary focus can be channelled towards supporting their child’s treatment and recovery at the hospital,” he said.

The new Ronald McDonald House will serve as an affordable and comfortable accommodation space for family members of children seeking long-term medical treatment at Hospital USM or other local hospitals nearby. More significantly, the new Ronald McDonald House is also expected to benefit those travelling from other states nationwide, since only a nominal fee is charged for families to utilise facilities like comfortable bedrooms, dining area, play area, kitchen, laundry area and many more.

Puan Mimi Faizah Lee Abdullah has been staying at the first Ronald McDonald House which is in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre since 2005. According to her, the benefit of having an affordable accommodation is immeasurable especially when her daughter and grand-daughter undergo cancer treatment at the hospital.

“It can be a painful and terrifying process for a young child seeking treatment, so for us to be close by their side is comforting for them and also parents staying at Ronald McDonald House can help each other to cope emotionally,” said Mimi Faizah.

Members of the public and McDonald’s customers can also play their part in this ongoing initiative by dropping their donation into the RMHC donation boxes at all McDonald’s restaurants nationwide. In addition, donations can be made via direct bank transfers or online donations via PayPal. Further details are available at https://rmhc-malaysia.my/get-involved/make-a-donation/.