History

How it all began...

The first Ronald McDonald House was opened in Philadelphia, USA in 1974. It came about largely through the efforts of father and Philadelphia Eagles footballer, Fred Hill when his daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia. Fred and his wife faced the same difficulties faced by other parents with children in hospital - sleeping in chairs, eating food from vending machines, losing privacy and being separated from the rest of the family back home.

There had to be better a solution. Fred rallied the support of his Philadelphia Eagles team mates and the local McDonald's owner operators to raise funds and help other families experiencing the same emotional and financial traumas as his own.

Together they created the first Ronald McDonald House. Today there are 267 Ronald McDonald Houses in 28 countries and 108 Family Rooms in 11 countries.

The Wellington House was the first Ronald McDonald House in New Zealand, opening on 20 September 1991. There are now also Houses in Auckland and Christchurch.

For more information about Ronald McDonald House Wellington, please visit www.rmhw.org.nz.