PAINT IT RED: Forbes businesses and people alike came together last week for Ronald McDonald House at the Forbes Bowling Club.
The communities of Forbes and Parkes have come out with overwhelming support for Wear Red Day to support Ronald Mc-Donald House Charities in Orange.
Last Thursday, schools, businesses and individuals donned their red clothing and donated in the knowledge all the funds raised will remain in Orange to directly support families from the area.
Since Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange opened almost five years ago, 241 families from Parkes (159 families), Forbes (80 families), and Bedgerabong (2), have stayed free of charge for a total of 1,510 nights.
“On behalf of everyone associated with RMHC Orange I would like to say thank you so much for the fantastic response to Wear Red Day 2021,” said RMHC Orange executive officer Rebecca Walsh.
“With all funds raised remaining in Orange to help us continue to support families from the central and far west, it is a classic case of country people helping each other out during stressful times in their lives,” said Rebecca.
Both Forbes and Parkes council employees supported the day by wearing red to work.
“Representatives from the Orange house including myself were thrilled to be part of the fundraiser held in Forbes last Thursday where Melissa Smith who attended with her husband Anthony and beautiful baby boy George, had the opportunity to tell every-one about her family’s experience staying at the house in Orange,” Ms Walsh said.
Mayor of Forbes, Cr Phyllis Miller, spoke of the importance of supporting RMHC Orange.
“By being able to stay in Orange instead of having to travel to Sydney it is less stressful for families and involves less travel – it is important we do our bit to support the Orange house,” she told the crowd.
RMHC Orange provide accommodation at no cost for as long as is required, emergency meals, complimentary breakfasts, pantry items for self-catering and complimentary toiletries are provided for families staying at the Orange house.
GRATEFUL: Melissa and Anthony Smith of Forbes with their baby boy George who stayed at Ronald McDonald House Orange for the three weeks leading up to the birth. She was in Orange as it was a high risk pregnancy.