Christmas isn’t about where you are. It’s about who you’re with.
Christmas is a time for family and loved ones. But for some, this holiday season will be spent far from home navigating hospital appointments, medical treatments and times of uncertainty.
For families with ill or injured children, being together becomes more important than ever. That’s where Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland comes in.
We provide a home away from home for families who need to stay at the heart of their child’s care. From accommodation and meals to a community of support, your generosity allows families to focus on what matters most.
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When a child is in hospital, family stays.
Help make that possible this Christmas.
In 2025, thanks to donors like you, we supported thousands of families across Queensland and Australia during the toughest moments of their lives. Donate this Christmas to help families stay together when it matters most.
43,580
nights of accommodation for 5,749 families staying in our Houses.
7,920
hours of tutoring to students catching up on schooling due to injury or illness.
21,156
visitors found comfort and support in our Family Rooms, right within the hospital.
Cara’s family
In August 2025, two-year-old Cara's life changed forever when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. For parents Damien and Clare, the shock was overwhelming. With eight children to care for and Cara requiring intensive treatment close to hospital, the family faced the heartbreaking possibility of being separated for up to 18 months.
Thanks to Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland, they didn't have to.
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Over the past year, Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland has provided a home away from home for the family while Cara has undergone six rounds of chemotherapy, major surgery, two stem cell transplants, 20 rounds of radiation and immunotherapy treatment.
More than just a place to stay, Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland has helped keep the Heather family together throughout Cara’s treatment journey. It has provided a place where the children can remain close to their sister, where everyday family moments can continue despite long hospital stays, and where the family can find comfort and support during their most challenging days.
Through the kindness of employees, volunteers and supporters, the family has found a community that celebrates their victories and comforts them through difficult moments. After spending more than a year here, Cara and her twin brother Dylan know no other home. For Cara, Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland South Brisbane is her safe place. Following five weeks in isolation during her first stem cell transplant, she returned to the House, threw her hands in the air and proudly shouted “I’m home.”
Cara's family have celebrated birthdays, milestones and many other special occasions at Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland, showing that home isn't a place, it's about being together. This Christmas, as Cara continues her treatment journey, the family will once again call our South Brisbane House home.
Your donation this Christmas will help families like Cara's stay together, find comfort and create precious moments when they need them most.
Bringing Christmas to our Houses
Right now, we're preparing our Houses for Christmas. Decorations will start to go up. Christmas meals are being planned. Gifts are being organised for families. We do this because every family deserves to experience moments of joy and togetherness, even during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
With your support families can continue to stay at the heart of their child's care this Christmas.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some families spend Christmas at Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland?
When a child needs hospital treatment far from home, families often have no choice but to spend Christmas close to hospital. Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland provides accommodation and support so families can stay together during treatment and focus on what matters most.
How can I help families this Christmas?
You can help families this Christmas by making a donation to our Christmas Appeal. Your support helps provide a home away from home, practical assistance and a caring community for families spending the holiday season focused on their child's treatment and recovery.
How does my Christmas donation help families?
Your Christmas donation helps provide essential accommodation, meals, family support and a welcoming place for families to stay while their child receives hospital treatment. Every gift helps ease the financial and emotional pressures families face, allowing them to stay close to the care their child needs.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes! All donations of $2 or more to Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland are tax deductible. We have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Taxation Office, which means your donation can be claimed as a tax deduction in your annual tax return. You'll automatically receive a receipt for your donation that you can use when lodging your tax return.
What is the Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland Christmas Appeal?
Our Christmas Appeal raises funds to support families with a sick or injured child receiving hospital treatment far from home. Donations help provide accommodation, meals, family support services and practical care, so families can stay together and focus on their child's health during the Christmas season and throughout the year.
Will I receive a tax receipt?
Yes. A tax receipt is automatically emailed to you after each donation. You can also access your tax receipts anytime using your donor login here.
Who can I contact for help with my donation?
If you need any assistance with your Christmas donation, please contact our fundraising team. They're here to help on 07 3646 6353 or email fundraising.seq@ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.au.
