- Schools and preschools across New Zealand wore pyjamas to support hospitalised children’s families
- Ronald McDonald House Charity warned more funding is needed as demand for help continues to rise
- Southland locals joined nationwide efforts to help families stay close during medical emergencies
In late June, schools, childcare centres, and workplaces across New Zealand ditched their usual attire for pyjamas in support of families staying at a Ronald McDonald House. The event marked RMHC New Zealand’s annual Pyjama Day, raising awareness and much-needed funds for the charity.
The nationwide fundraiser attracted around 160 schools and early learning centres. One of them, Blue Duck Early Learning Centre in Invercargill, joined in with enthusiasm. The tamariki came dressed in their favourite pyjamas, helping bring visibility to the cause while having fun.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities provide support to families who need to travel away from home to access hospital care for their children. More than just accommodation, the charity offers meals, education, and wrap-around social services, helping families stay strong during some of the hardest times of their lives.
As RMHC NZ Chief Executive Wayne Howett explained, “PJ Day is a fun chance for kids to wear their pyjamas to school, but it also brings home a powerful truth – when a child gets seriously ill, families often have to leave home in a rush, sometimes in the middle of the night still in their PJs, to get the urgent care they need.
“That’s where we step in, to provide a home away from home near the hospital, no matter what time of day or night families arrive.
“We’ve been blown away by the support from communities across the country, all rallying together to make sure these families feel cared for, supported, and able to stay close to one another through challenging times.”
Despite the outpouring of community support, the charity faces growing pressure. Demand for services is rising, and without additional funding, the charity may soon have to make the difficult decision of turning some families away.
Last year alone, over 280 families from the Southland region stayed at a Ronald McDonald House. Events like PJ Day help ensure families can remain near their children during long hospital stays, without worrying about where they’ll sleep or what they’ll eat.