‘Get on your bike’ for The Ronald McDonald House


Rotary club of Waterford appeals to the public to join in its annual charity cycle.
 
The Rotary club of Waterford Ronald Mc Donald Fun Cycle takes place again this year on Sunday May 12th 2013 at Mc Donald’s on the Cork Road. Starting at 11.00 am the cycle travels to Tramore and back.
The Charity Cycle, now in its fourth year, is an opportunity for anyone who cycles and believes in helping a good cause. Regular participants are those who have stayed in the house or those who know a family who have stayed in the Ronald McDonald House, and wish to give something back.
Waterford Rotary appeals to cyclists of all ages to join. No pre-registration is required, just get the bike out or borrow one and join in for two hours on May 12th. All are welcome.
To top it all, WLR fm’s Timmy Ryan will be broadcasting live from McDonalds on the Cork road and Ronald Mc Donald will join in the fun on the day. All cyclists will be treated to a Free Burger after the cycle plus lots of other treats on the day.
 The Ronald McDonald House provides a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children who are hospitalised or undergoing extended treatment at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. Families will be able to stay for the duration of their child’s stay in hospital. The Ronald McDonald House provides a supportive environment for these families. The first Irish Ronald McDonald House was a 15,000 square feet stand alone building in the grounds of Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. The House can accommodate up to 16 families in en-suite family bedrooms with communal kitchens, dining areas and living areas. It also has a toddlers’ room and full laundry facilities.
Since opening in November 2004 the House has been “home” to over 1000 families from all over Ireland. Some have stayed for just a few nights, while others stay for 7 or 8 months!  The beauty of the house is that each room accommodates 4 so grannies, granddads, brothers and sisters can all help in the child’s recovery.
The annual running costs are in excess of €300,000 and the charity is very dependent on the continuing support of all to cover the ongoing costs of running the House.
Sponsorship cards are available from Mc Donald’s City Centre or Cork Road, Lily O’Brien’s and Nolke Opticians, or you can donate directly for this good cause by logging on www.mycharity.ie, go to “Sponsor a Friend” and search for Rotary Waterford.