The Illawarra community helped us celebrate 27 years of McHappy Day and raised more than $4.8 million for RMHC nationally.

These donations ensure that Aussie families get to stay together while their seriously ill or injured child undergoes treatment.

Throughout the country we saw communities help raise vital funds for RMHC. We saw local Bucket Brigades, Scout groups, emergency services as well as sporting and TV personalities visiting McDonald’s restaurants, to help make a difference.

We want to personally say a big thank you to everyone in the Illawarra community, who got involved last weekend, making generous donations that helped McHappy Day raise more money than ever before.

Fundraising efforts like McHappy Day are vital and ensure RMHC can be there for families with seriously ill children when they need it most.

With so many Aussie kids requiring treatment, every donation goes a long way to keep families together in their toughest times.

You can continue to support families in need by donating to rmhc.org.au all year round.

Thank you again to Illawarra Mercury and the local community for all your help on McHappy Day.

Barbara Ryan (Ronald McDOnald House CEO) and Naomi Watts (McHappy Day 2018 Ambassador)

Approaching the festive season, let’s remember that many Australian farmers have had a tough year because of the drought. Many say it’s the worst in living memory.

Farmers are incredibly resilient, strong and proud. Drought-affected farmers show remarkable strength of character, coping with determination in the face of hardships, doing their best to prepare ahead of time for the conditions they are experiencing.

 Yet, with no rain to break the dry spell, the road to recovery is long.  

The drought has rallied support for farmers in towns and cities Australia-wide. Tens of thousands of people donated to the Red Cross “Help Aussie Farmers" appeal.

With these contributions and with our local partners, the Country Women’s Association and Rural Financial Counselling Service, we have reached thousands of farmers and farming families with financial assistance.

Some farmers are reluctant to seek financial support – for all sorts of reasons. However, farmers tell us it’s easy to apply for the funds donated to Red Cross.  They say the funds reach them quickly to cover household expenses such as groceries and utility bills.

If you’re a drought-affected farmer or reliant on farming for your livelihood, please come forward for support. Let us ease the burden.

Looking towards Christmas, we encourage you to keep connected and check on family and friends to ensure they are okay.

Remember, the whole country is thinking of you. To access a Red Cross drought relief grant, visit redcross.org.au/drought.

Judy Slatyer (Red Cross CEO)  and Danica Leys, (CEO, CWA of NSW)