When a child is in hospital, family stays
Families need us – and we need you. Donate before June 30 and provide a place for families to stay supported, connected and cared for.
When a child is ill or injured, families put their entire lives on hold just to be close to the one who needs them most.
At Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland, we believe no family should have to choose between their child and having a place to stay.
You’re giving families more than a place to stay, by making a donation this tax time. You’re helping provide rest, warmth, a hot meal and practical support – offering something that feels like normal, even when nothing else does.
Because when a child is in hospital, family stays. And thanks to you, we stay with them.
Make a tax-deductible gift before June 30 to ensure that families stay at the heart of their child’s care.
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Holding families together when it matters most.
When a child becomes ill or injured, it affects the entire family. Families miss work. Families miss paychecks. Families miss meals. Not for convenience – but for love. Because family stays.
Your impact
In 2025, thanks to donors like you, we supported thousands of families during the toughest moments of their lives. Give before 30 June and provide round the clock love and support for the whole family.
5,749
families staying in our Houses
43,580
nights of accommodation
198
students with access to our Learning Program
21,156
visits to our Family Rooms
Meet the Winchester family
When pain turned into a life-changing diagnosis
When eleven-year-old Henry Winchester from Gracemere, a small town near Rockhampton, started complaining about pain behind his knee in late 2024, his family began a series of appointments, scans and tests. The devastating news soon followed: Henry had bone cancer.
Nothing prepared the Winchester family for what came next. Within days, Henry and his parents flew from Central Queensland to Queensland Children's Hospital for treatment. They were told they'd need to stay for at least eight months – eight months away from home, work, everything familiar - and everyone familiar.
For a family from regional Queensland facing their child's cancer diagnosis, the challenges were overwhelming. Where would they stay? How would they afford accommodation in Brisbane? What did this mean for their boy? Enter: Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland.
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Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland became a lifeline
When Henry's family discovered Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland, everything changed. They were offered free accommodation at our South Brisbane House, located directly across the road from Queensland Children's Hospital.But what they received was more than just a place to stay.
As Henry's chemotherapy progressed, he became neutropenic – meaning his immune system was severely compromised and even minor infections could be life-threatening. The House immediately arranged for the family to move into a self-contained, wheelchair-accessible room, where they could cook and clean in their own space, avoiding contact with others to protect Henry's fragile immune system.
This wasn't just convenient. For an 11-year-old boy facing cancer treatment, it was essential for his physical and mental health.
The close proximity to the hospital saved Henry’s life.
One night, Henry became dangerously unwell with an infection. His parents rushed him across the road to the Emergency Department at Queensland Children's Hospital, where he was seen immediately.
Their oncologist later told them something that still gives the family chills: 1-2 children die each year because they don't get to the hospital in time when they develop life-threatening infections during cancer treatment.
The location of the House was worth its weight in gold. When the Winchester family says Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland is a lifesaver, they mean it literally.
That’s what support from people like you makes possible – a place to stay close, connected and cared for. Your generosity helps families stay near their child’s bedside, where they’re needed the most.
Will you show your support and make a tax-deductible donation today?
Your tax-deductible donation: How it works
Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Taxation Office, which means all donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
When you donate before June 30, you can claim your gift in your 2025-26 tax return, reducing your taxable income while helping families stay in their child’s fight.
✓ Automatic tax receipt emailed to you
✓ Claim in the Gifts and Donations section of your tax return
✓ Donate by midnight June 30, 2026 to claim this financial year
You still have time to make a difference this financial year:
Frequently asked tax time questions
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.
How do I claim my donation?
- Keep your donation receipt (emailed automatically after you donate)
- When completing your tax return, include the donation amount in the 'Gifts and Donations' section
- You can claim donations made between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026 in your 2025-26 tax return
Your donation reduces your taxable income. For example, if you donate $100 and your tax rate is 37%, you could save $37 in tax.
What is DGR status and does Ronald McDonald House have it?
Can I donate after June 30 and still claim it this financial year?
What is the minimum donation amount for a tax deduction?
The minimum donation amount for a tax deduction is $2. Any donation of $2 or more to Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland is tax deductible.
Do I need a receipt for my donation?
How much tax will I save if I donate?
The amount you save depends on your marginal tax rate. Your donation is deducted from your taxable income, not directly from the tax you owe.
Examples:
- Donate $100 at 19% tax rate = $19 tax saving
- Donate $100 at 32.5% tax rate = $32.50 tax saving
- Donate $100 at 37% tax rate = $37 tax saving
- Donate $100 at 45% tax rate = $45 tax saving
Even after the tax benefit, you're still making a generous contribution that directly helps families when they need it most.
Who can I contact for help with my donation?
If you need any assistance with your donation, please contact our fundraising team. They're here to help on 07 3646 6353 or email fundraising.seq@ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.au.
