EMIRATES WESTERN FORCE ANNOUNCE RONALD McDONALD HOUSE AS CHOSEN CHARITY FOR 2009 & 2010

The Emirates Western Force has announced Ronald McDonald House (RMHC) as one of its two selected team charities for 2009 and 2010.

Star players Cameron Shepherd and Gareth Hardy made the announcement on behalf of the team at the launch of McHappy Day at Ronald McDonald House in Subiaco today. 

The pair paid a special visit to the House to provide some much-needed cheer for the young children and families in residence, before releasing six white balloons, each with a message attached from the children, to mark the official start of McHappy Day fundraising activities in Perth. 

McHappy Day is the largest annual fundraising event for RMHC, which run a range of programs that help seriously ill children and their families live happier, healthier lives. 

Prop Gareth Hardy said the team was proud to link with such an important charity. 

“What Ronald McDonald House does for families with sick children is just absolutely crucial,” said Hardy. 

“It provides families with not only accommodation while their children are being treated, but with a support network through people who are experiencing the same hardships.” 

Fullback Cameron Shepherd said the children’s charity was close to the player’s hearts. 

“It’s a very important charity but it’s also one that’s meaningful for the players as a lot of the boys have young children. We’ve had quite a few new-borns recently and we’ve got a bit of a Western Force crèche going on,” said Shepherd. 

Emirates Western Force skipper Nathan Sharpe was announced as a patron of RMHC in June 2008, prior to today’s launch where the two-year partnership with the charity was announced formally. 

“McHappy Day is the largest fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities, including Ronald McDonald House in Subiaco, so the timing of this announcement couldn’t have been more perfect,” said House Executive Alison Salmond. 

“Nathan Sharpe is patron of the Ronald McDonald Family Retreats in Jurien and Bunbury, so there is already a great connection with the team.” 

“Today’s launch got the partnership off to a wonderful start and will really help us to drive public support for this very important day for our charity,” said Salmond. 

Shepherd said he hoped Emirates Western Force supporters would rally behind the team’s push to raise funds for the charity. 

“We really hope that everyone will support McHappy Day by buying a Big Mac next Saturday.” 

“It was great to see the smiles on the kids’ faces today and even the smallest contribution will go a long way towards keeping these seriously ill children happy and healthy.” 

ABOUT RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES (RMHC) 

Including 13 Ronald McDonald Houses across the country (with a 14^th on the way in Orange, NSW), the Ronald McDonald Learning Program, three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, five Ronald McDonald Family Retreats and RMHC Cord Blood Banks program – RMHC touches lives nation-wide. 

McHappy Day 2008 will be held on Saturday 15 November. Donations can be made online through the RMHC website (www.rmhc.org.au).