Driven by a desire to volunteer, Michelle decided to sign up after transitioning from her busy career as an Events Manager and freeing up some time to become a homemaker evening shift volunteer.
This National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the incredible volunteers who make Ronald McDonald House in Randwick and our Family Rooms feel like a home away from home.
Whether they’re cooking meals, keeping our spaces welcoming, or offering a kind word to families in need, our volunteers bring compassion, comfort, and strength when it’s needed most. Their dedication reminds us that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
To all our volunteers—thank you for everything you do.
As part of the celebrations, we asked Michelle five questions about her experience volunteering at the House.
Here’s what she shared.
How long have you been volunteering for?
Coming up to 5 years.
Why did you start volunteering at Ronald McDonald House Sydney?
I always wanted to volunteer but my work as an Events Manager was quite busy, which didn’t allow much time for other things. I managed to weave quite a bit of charity initiatives into work events and activations, but when my career changed paths, I took the opportunity to quickly sign-up as a volunteer with Ronald McDonald House Sydney.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering with us?
Seeing the beautiful families that walk through the doors every day. Having regular chats with them and knowing that any small thing we do as volunteers makes a huge difference to their journey. It is so rewarding and nourishing for the soul when connecting with families and hearing first-hand how much they appreciate all the things the volunteers do for them. And of course, catching up with my volunteer buddy on our regular roster is great too!
Would you recommend volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Sydney and why?
Absolutely! It’s is so flexible. I do the homemaker evening shift once a fortnight. The shift is for 3 hours. Volunteers can do as many or as few shifts as they are able to. Every time I’m in the House is different. Some nights we don’t see any families and get the general tasks done. Other nights the House is full, and we manage to connect with families while also doing what needs to be done.
What are the benefits of volunteering at our House and the difference anyone else can make if they are thinking about volunteering?
Shifts are flexible, and the volunteer team are incredible. I only get to see a couple of the staff as I do the evening shift, but chatting with them and hearing about things that have happened in the House is lovely too.
The House is a place of love, hope, connection, care and support. Everyone is kind and really tries to make things as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Knowing that I’m making a huge difference to families with many of them going through the hardest fights of their life is rewarding and heart-warming. It puts into perspective what really matters in life.
Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder that volunteering isn’t just about giving time, it’s about giving heart. Through every meal prepared, every conversation shared, and every shift completed, volunteers help create a space where families can find comfort, connection, and care when they need it most.
If you would like to learn more about volunteering, get in touch with our team today [email protected].
