An open home with a difference

It’s been a year of change and adaptation for all, but for many not-for-profit organisations it’s meant taking a fresh look at fundraising and collaboration to maximise strengths and attain desired results. RMHC® New Zealand announced today their corporate partner, Ray White New Zealand, has allocated two of the company’s top agents (Ben Atwill and Brendan Shefford) in both the North Island and South Island to market a different type of property – rooms at RMHC New Zealand houses nationwide.

From upwards of $5,000 a year, funds generated from the Sponsor a Room programme will enable RMHC New Zealand to provide and maintain comfortable and beautifully furnished bedrooms and bathrooms to families, offering a safe haven at some of the most difficult times in their lives.

RMHC New Zealand is an essential service, having provided care for families in Aotearoa over the last 30 years. By sponsoring a room, generous Kiwis and businesses will assist with supplying soft quilts for beds, fresh towels and home comforts as well as freshly painted rooms ready to welcome families.

A park view ensuite bedroom at Ronald McDonald House – Auckland Domain.

Due to Covid-19, the postponement of many RMHC New Zealand fundraising drives, including the not-for-profit’s Annual Appeal, has seen the charity facing an unforeseen financial deficit. The Sponsor a Room programme is a meaningful way New Zealanders can support RMHC New Zealand, at a time when it is needed most.

Carey Smith, Chief Executive of Ray White New Zealand, is proud to stand with RMHC New Zealand.

“RMHC New Zealand is a cause close to our hearts and as a business we value giving back to our fellow Kiwis. We have some fantastic, top-selling agents available with great connections and we are confident we will be able to successfully market and raise funds for RMHC New Zealand,” says Smith.  

A one-bedroom apartment with Domain view at Ronald McDonald House – Grafton Mews.

Wayne Howett, Chief Executive Officer of RMHC New Zealand, says the charity has had to think outside the box when fundraising this year.

 “The combination of changing socio-economic factors, prolonged treatment journeys and more complex family structures means that the demand for our services is increasing year-on-year. In 2019, RMHC New Zealand supported over 4,600 families, and each year more and more families need our support. Ray White New Zealand has been our partner for the last 13 years, they saw our need and looked at how they could use their skills to help us fill the gap,” says Howett.

“The pandemic has caused significant financial strain; however, we’ve promised to never turn an eligible family away. The demand for our services will continue to grow in 2021 and we continue to look for engaging ways to fundraise for the families we help,” continues Howett.

To sponsor a room, make an enquiry or for more information, please visit raywhite.co.nz/RMHCNZ.