Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland Launches "Thanks a Million" Campaign to Support Families of Seriously Ill Children

For 20 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Ireland has been a beacon of hope for families with seriously ill children, providing a "home-away-from-home" in Crumlin while their little ones receive treatment.

Now, with the New Children's Hospital set to centralise paediatric care in Dublin, RMHC Ireland is launching the "Thanks a Million" campaign to raise €1 million to complete a much-needed 52-bedroom Ronald McDonald House adjacent to the new hospital.

A Legacy of Care and Support

Since opening its doors in 2004, RMHC Ireland has made an incredible impact and has:

• Supported 5,000 families from across Ireland

• Served 240,000 hot meals to parents and children

• Catered for 10,000 siblings, ensuring they are cared for too

• Helped families save a total of €14 million in travel and accommodation costs

A Bigger House to Meet Growing Needs

With the transition to the New Children's Hospital, the demand for accommodation is set to rise. The new Ronald McDonald House will more than double the current capacity, allowing RMHC Ireland to:

• Welcome over 500 families annually.

• Provide 11,680 additional nights of comfort and support each year.

• Offer families a financial and emotional lifeline when they need it most.

How You Can Help

The "Thanks a Million" campaign is calling on people across Ireland—individuals, businesses and communities to come together and make a difference. Every contribution, big or small, will help RMHC Ireland build a new home for families facing one of the toughest times of their lives.

Joe Kenny, Chief Executive Officer of RMHC Ireland said: “This new House is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a lifeline for families with seriously ill children who must travel to Dublin for treatment. By staying with us, families save over €300 per night on accommodation, meals and laundry. But more importantly, they can remain close to their child, providing the love and support that means everything during such a difficult time. We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received over the past 20 years and now we need your help once again.”

The impact of RMHC Ireland is best seen through the stories of families who have stayed at The Ronald McDonald House, like the Bolger family from Co. Waterford. During their 96-night stay, they found comfort and support while their daughter Poppy received care in Crumlin.

Poppy’s Mum, Elaine Sarah Bolger said: “We never knew we were going to be gone that long. It was a lot longer than we expected, and we weren’t prepared. Moving from Waterford to Crumlin would have been impossible for us without the House. There are a lot of dark days in hospital and so many times you get shocking news that really shakes you. But coming over to the Ronald McDonald House you just feel safe.”

No matter where you're from—Cork, Galway, Donegal, or beyond—this House is for every child and every family in Ireland. To help make this house a reality, donate today at www.thanksamill.rmhc.ie

Slán go fóill.