Gary pays it forward through acts of service
Originally from Bendigo, Gary and his wife moved to Melbourne for work and to give back to charities like Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania. This was a decision Gary made years ago after his son Nicolas, encountered a personal journey with cancer.
Nicolas is the third youngest child in the family and as a fit and active boy playing sports, he noticed a lump had developed on his knee. He went for a check-up at the local doctors and later found that it was cancerous. Nicolas was quickly transferred to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment.
Gary and his family were stressed about the news of their sick child and the financial burden that often comes with this. They were trying to think of where they could stay as a family and how they could be there for Nicolas. This is when Gary checked into the Ronald McDonald House Parkville and where his connection with the charity began.
For Gary and Nicolas, Ronald McDonald House Parkville became their new home throughout treatment and recovery. Gary returned to Parkville many times during Nicolas’ medical journey as cancerous cells continued to return in his leg. Opening its doors for each stay, Ronald McDonald House Parkville supported Gary and his family through these difficult times.
From that moment, Gary knew he wanted to come back to the House and help other families, like his, get the support they need. So, once retired, he decided to dedicate his time to becoming a proud volunteer.!
“I knew I wanted to give back to all those people that helped my family when we needed it.”
Gary has been volunteering at Ronald McDonald House Parkville & North Fitzroy for 2 years and helps run our family shuttle bus service and keeps the gardens looking immaculate! Now as a healthy adult Nicholas, Gary and their family share their story about how positive it was staying at the House, and how paying it forward can make a world of difference to other families in need.
Ronald McDonald House Victoria & Tasmania
The purpose of Ronald McDonald House is to provide a safe and supportive home-away-from-home for families when they need it most.
Volunteers like Gary, make this possible and we are so thankful for our community.
