An unlikely partnership

Fifty years ago, an unlikely partnership between Dr. Audrey Evans, McDonald’s, and the Philadelphia Eagles formed the first ever Ronald McDonald House. Since then, hundreds more Houses have opened to support families all around the world.

Started with a family

In 1974, three-year-old Kim, daughter of Philadelphia Eagles football player Fred Hill, received treatment at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children for leukaemia. For the three years of treatment, the Hills camped out on hospital chairs and ate makeshift meals from the vending machines, while watching other parents do the same thing. They learned many families travelled great distances to bring their children to the hospital but often couldn’t afford accommodation nearby. The Hills knew there had to be a solution.

Opening the very first House

With the support of his team, the Eagles, funds were raised and offered to Dr. Audrey Evans, head of the paediatric oncology unit, who dreamed of a establishing a comfortable temporary residence for families of children being treated at her hospital. On 15 October 1974, the first Ronald McDonald House officially opened its doors. Today, over 300 Houses in over 60 regions support families all around the world.

Learn about our Houses in NZ

Supporting whānau in New Zealand

Since opening the first Ronald McDonald House in Wellington in 1989, Ronald McDonald House New Zealand continues to support Kiwi families when needed most. Through the generosity of individual supporters, partners, and community, Ronald McDonald House New Zealand offers nearly 50,000 nights of free accommodation for whānau each year.

See our impact