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16 June 2026
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Room 202 at Wellington Ronald McDonald House 2026

Our Ongoing Support for Room 202 at Wellington Ronald McDonald House

What is the project?

When a child is seriously ill or born prematurely, the stress on a family is unimaginable. To help ease this burden, the Lions Club of Middle Districts, through our Middle Districts Lions Club Charitable Trust, proudly sponsors Room 202 at the Wellington Ronald McDonald House with a yearly donation of $7,500. This ongoing sponsorship ensures that local families from Palmerston North and the wider Manawatu region have a warm, safe, and free place to stay while their children receive specialist medical care.

We recently received a collection of thank-you cards from families who have found sanctuary in Room 202.

Why it matters

Wellington Hospital acts as the specialist tertiary hub for our region. When an emergency happens, local families are often uprooted at a moment's notice.

The messages we received highlight exactly why this room is a lifeline:

  • The Donaldson family shared how Room 202 allowed their children to see their new baby sister for the first time.

  • A local Palmy family opened up about their precious baby Anna, who was born prematurely at 31 weeks and helicoptered to Wellington for breathing support. They called the room their "home-away-from-home" that kept their family closely together.

  • The Kenny family expressed their massive gratitude for the hospitality provided so they could safely welcome their baby girl into the world.

  • Other local parents from Palmerston North noted that having a peaceful place to rest and recharge provided true "comfort and peace of mind" during a medical crisis.

The Lions' Impact

By maintaining this annual commitment, our club helps deliver tangible relief to families during their darkest hours. The benefits of this grant include:

  • Zero Accommodation Costs: Removing the financial stress of emergency city accommodation.

  • Keeping Whānau Together: Allowing siblings and parents to stay under one roof near the hospital.

  • A Place to Recharge: Providing a comfortable, quiet space to rest so parents can remain strong for their medical journeys.

  • Built-in Community Support: Access to the incredible staff and communal environment at RMHC New Zealand.

"Reading through these handwritten cards reminds us of the true power of community service. Knowing that a Palmy family, flown down in a medical helicopter at 31 weeks, had a warm bed and a supportive community waiting for them in Room 202 makes every fundraising project worth it. We are honored to provide a small piece of comfort when these families need it most."

Want to know more about how we support our community? Check out our other grants on our blog or follow us on Facebook to stay updated with our latest local projects!