A milestone celebrated at Wanderers
The introduction of a lactation centre at Baragwanath Hospital offers a private, comfortable, and supportive environment for mothers to express milk.
Ronald McDonald’s House Charities (RMHC), together with McDonald’s South Africa, unveiled a new lactation centre at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on February 29.
With a cherry on top, the charity was also celebrating a major 10th-anniversary milestone.
The celebrations took place at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium, where people had a great time, learning more about how the RMHC assists with improving the health and well-being of sick children who are being treated at hospitals by providing support and a resting place to their families that allows them to stay close to them.
Addressing the event, Jo-Ann Joffe, CEO of RMHC South Africa, said, “This event marks not just a renewal but a significant enhancement in the support and care we provide to the families of children undergoing medical treatment.”
She added that the upgrades to the family rooms and the introduction of the lactation centre have been designed with the needs of families in mind.
“From comfortable seating to private areas for rest and rejuvenation, every detail has been carefully considered to create a welcoming and supportive environment. These spaces are more than just rooms; they are sanctuaries where mothers can find peace and strength.”
Joffe highlighted that in 2017, the first Ronald McDonald House, situated on the top floor of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, was opened.
“The House provides accommodation, hope, care, and compassion to hundreds of families of sick children receiving specialised treatment each year. The house has 27 hotel-styled rooms, including a kitchen, dining room, library, meditation room, kids’ playroom, TV room, and lounges.”
Greg Solomon, CEO of McDonald’s South Africa, said that the RMHC aligns perfectly with their purpose, mission, and values.
“As our flagship programme, RMHC cuts across all our 350 odd restaurants, giving us a common purpose and a common focus, making the yellow arches shine brighter every day.”
He explained that they will continue to support the charity and urge it to grow from strength to strength.
“My gratitude also extends to the broader McDonald’s system, which supports this great initiative in various ways, such as the R5 donations we request from customers, happy meal contributions, staff donations, volunteerism, and more.”
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