Electrolux helps out seriously-ill children and their families

By Craig Zammit

ORANGE: Electrolux is supporting the new Ronald McDonald House at Orange in western New South Wales, by donating an extensive range of appliances to help seriously ill children and their parents, who will be cared for at the institution when completed in 2008.

The Orange-based Electrolux refrigerator plant’s indirect purchasing officer, Rebecca Walsh, spoke with project organisers and subsequently brought the proposal before Electrolux managing director – major appliances, Trevor Carroll, who approved the donation.

“As Electrolux is one of the biggest employers for people in the region, I thought there would be a genuine interest in being part of this project,” said Walsh.

“This wonderful offer from Electrolux will help turn the facility into a home-away-from home and allow families to stay comfortably in close proximity to their children,” said Ronald McDonald Board chairperson Central West/Orange region, Joanne Lewis.

Electrolux is one of the key sponsors working with the Orange Ronald McDonald House development team, with the kitchen and laundry appliances donated by Electrolux to be installed into the seven long and short stay units to be constructed at the site.

The local Orange Base Hospital recently received funding for a multi-million dollar relocation and upgrade which included land next to the hospital to be set aside for what will become the thirteenth Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Australia.

The RMH institutions are attached to major women’s or children’s hospitals around the world and provide lodgings and support for parents and carers of seriously-ill children.

So far, local businesses, schools and community groups the community have raised $200,000 towards the initiative, with a further $200,000 worth of products and labour pledged by various local industries.