26 April 2018 | Tennis Queensland

A donation worth $24,500 has been handed to the Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland (RMHSEQ) as the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp’s Official Charity for the 2018 event.

Tournament Director Cameron Pearson was joined by professional tennis player James Duckworth and young star Kaylah McPhee in handing over a cheque to House Chairman Adam Dando before players toured the house and met some of the families in its care.

“We’re thrilled to have partnered with Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland as our Official Charity for the fourth year now. It’s an organisation that supports hundreds of Queensland families at a time when they need it most,” said Pearson.

The money donated was raised during McHappy Day in 2016 and 2017, the largest annual fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House, with the tournament donating fifty percent of ticket sales processed on the day to RMHSEQ.

“Every year the response from tennis fans to our McHappy Day initiative is overwhelming, it’s always one our bestselling days of the year in terms of ticket sales,” Pearson added.

“It is great to be involved with such an iconic event like the Brisbane International, we really appreciate their support of Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland,” said Dando.

RMHSEQ provides accommodation and support services for seriously ill children and their families who live more than 50 kilometres from the treating hospital in Brisbane.

The Houses also give parents the chance to draw hope and comfort from other families in similar situations, while being supported by dedicated and friendly staff and volunteers.

After today’s donations, Duckworth and McPhee met families who are staying at the house, and ran them through the basics of playing tennis.

Duckworth took part in driving donations for Ronald McDonald House during McHappy Day in 2017, serving customers at his local McDonald’s Restaurant in Brisbane.

“It’s always nice to give back to charity and Ronald McDonald House does a great job supporting those in need. When the opportunity presented itself for me to help out, I was more than happy to put my hand up because it’s a great cause.”

Today’s donation will  provide the accommodation and support for 30 Queensland families to stay close to their children who are receiving treatment  in the intensive care unit at the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital.

The tournament will donate fifty percent of ticket sales on McHappy Day again in 2019.