Raine & Horne offices in the Hunter region are stepping up to a walking challenge to help families with seriously ill or injured children in their time of need.
A total of 38 people from the national real estate brand’s offices in Newcastle, Mayfield, New Lambton, Wallsend, Belmont, Kurri Kurri, Cameron Park, East Maitland, Lemon Tree Passage and Nelson Bay have volunteered to walk 12 kilometres on 12 November.
According to Raine & Horne Newcastle managing director Cody Bice, the specific distance participants will cover during their trek from Fernleigh Loop to Queens Wharf Hotel represents the 12 nights that families need a “home away from home” to be near their child in hospital.
In line with this, the network revealed that proceeds from the event would go to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), a charity that provides a home away from home for families with a seriously ill or injured child.
It’s estimated that around 613 families utilise the service at John Hunter Hospital every year.
And while Mr Bice acknowledges that the walking challenge will be a difficult undertaking for some participants, he highlighted that the short-lived hardship couldn’t be compared with the difficult journey that families face after receiving news of their child’s serious illness.
“The work of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Northern NSW, is invaluable, and our ongoing involvement with this organisation is something we take great pride in,” he stated.
Notably, the fundraising event is in line with Raine & Horne Newcastle’s walking the talk on its longstanding commitment to the cause.
In March, the office teamed up with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) NNSW to provide support for parents and carers of children who were diagnosed with serious illness.
The charity helps sick kids and their families from across Northern NSW during the greatest time of their need by providing accommodation at their houses in Newcastle and Tamworth, family rooms in Gosford and John Hunter Children’s Hospital, a family retreat in Forster, and the learning program.
In addition to providing a supportive environment during a time of crisis, the team at RMHC NNSW also provide families with meals, family activities, peer support, resources for siblings, respite, laundry facilities and many other services to care for families with an ill or injured child.
To kick off the three-year tie-up, the real estate agency donated 10 per cent of its sales commission for any sold residential properties that were listed with the team between 1 April and 30 June.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr Bice said: “Our three-year commitment to RMHC NNSW means that we can make a tangible impact on the lives of people who need it most. Through fundraising, donating, and volunteering, we look forward to our partnership into 2023 and beyond.”
Raine & Horne noted that the Hunter region offices’ steadfast commitment to supporting the cause “speaks to the value of the service to the region”, stressing that no dollar is too big or too small to make an impact.
Ross Bingham, chief executive of RMHC NNSW, said that such tie-ups “make a world of difference” for families with a seriously ill child.
“[We] are so grateful for their ongoing commitment to RMHC NNSW. It means we can focus on what’s important, providing the vital care and support families need when their lives are turned upside down,” he stated.