Meals from the Heart

A team-building dinner experience that fills hearts

MJH Multi getting involved and preparing Meals from the Heart for the families at Ronald McDonald House Charities in Westmead

Dinner is served, from the heart

After a long day at the hospital, parents and carers return to the House physically drained and emotionally spent. Cooking a fresh, nourishing dinner often feels impossible.

That’s where you can come in. We invite corporate and community groups into our kitchen to help ease the burden around mealtimes. Through our Meals from the Heart group volunteering program, our 60 in-house families can enjoy a hot dinner, four nights a week. We also offer a limited second seating to non-resident families from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, extending care and relief even further.

Families find comfort in hearing laughter in the kitchen and enjoying dinner that’s served with a smile.

What Meals from the Heart means to families

When families are constantly in and out of the hospital for treatments and appointments, mealtimes often fall to the bottom of the priority list. By taking care of their dinner, you’re offering more than just nourishment—you’re easing the emotional and mental load that comes with caring for a sick or injured child.

It’s one less thing for families to worry about, and one more way they feel supported.

"We appreciate these meals so much, especially after an extra long day at the hospital. Yesterday, we left the House at 8:30 am and didn't return until 6 pm. It was so nice to come back to these beautiful faces and grab a hot meal."

Dianne, Cooper's mum

"We loved the healthy and nutritious meals often provided. It was just so lovely to eat amongst the other families and share a smile and a delicious meal and not have to worry about preparing something or going out to buy something."

Chloe, Leonela's mum

"Meals from the Heart allowed me the freedom to be with my son during chemotherapy and to provide him and myself with good nutrition. Restaurant quality food!"

Family

"My 3-year-old daughter didn't eat for 14 weeks. It wasn't until she came to Ronald McDonald House that she began to thrive and started eating. The House brought her smile back to me. I truly believe RMHC was an important and pivotal moment in her recovery and wellbeing."

Family

"Having a hot meal provided after a long day at the hospital or appointments makes a world of difference for stressed parents."

Heidi, Tyson's mum

"The fact that amazing buffet food was available throughout the week was a huge weight off our shoulders because we didn't have to worry about cooking as often. It also helped a great deal financially, which was important as we weren't working due to being away from home."

Christina

"We have dietary needs and differences and they were catered to, which was beyond what we had expected to receive. We are so grateful."

Family

"It took the pressure of trying to think about what was for dinner. It was also great for my partner while I was in hospital to just have dinner arranged for him—he could quickly eat and return to me and the hospital. Once our son was born, we could zip over to the House, have dinner, and then go back to the hospital."

Family

"Removing the stress of cooking and purchasing meals most nights is an absolute godsend, especially when our daughter is on the ward for several nights. Knowing I can come over and take back a beautiful homecooked meal for us both is wonderful."

Family

Meals from the Heart details

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Group Size

6 to 12 people (aged 12+)*

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Days and Time

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm

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Fee/Donation

$1,650 (covers the cost of ingredients and support from a professional chef and staff)

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Menu

Choose your menu, inspired by local and international cuisines such as Italian Feast, Aussie BBQ, Mexican Fiesta, and more

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Who Can Participate

Corporate and community groups, clubs and teams, family and friend groups

* We welcome young volunteers, with safety as our top priority:

  • Ages 12-15 years: must be accompanied by one adult per child (1:1)
  • Ages 16+ years: must be accompanied by one adult for every four children (1:4)


Thank you for helping us keep the program safe and enjoyable for everyone. 

Your Meals from the Heart experience will begin with a warm welcome and a guided tour of the Westmead House. After your cooking session, your group will have the opportunity to share a meal with families—a chance to connect, reflect, and see the impact of your generosity firsthand.

Why your support matters

Our meal programs are only possible because of the generosity of organisations and groups. Your involvement directly helps us continue providing comfort, care, and practical support to families during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

The booking fee is a tax-deductible donation that will help us achieve our ambitious goal of increasing our meal services by 70%. This will allow us to provide at least one nutritious meal per day, not only to families staying at the House, but throughout the entire Westmead Health Precinct.

Are you read to book your Meals from the Heart experience?

Simply register by selecting your preferred date via the calendar below and we will be in touch. For more information, call 02 9806 7111, email [email protected] or download the Meals from the Heart Program Overview.

What others say about their Meals from the Heart experience

"Supporting Meals from the Heart gives our team a sense of community and an opportunity to give back in a small, practical way to families going through the toughest time of their lives."

Rachel, ARYZTA

"It's not only a fantastic experience; it's also rewarding, fun, moving, and inspirational. The team and I had such a great time. Everyone was buzzing with positive energy."

Christine, ALDUS

"We had such a great night and will highly recommend to any company wanting to do a team-building event! Our cups and hearts are so full."

Allara Support Services

"We worked hard, cooked, served, cleaned up, had fun... we went home tired but with the satisfied feeling that we hopefully took a little bit of pressure off some folk."

Lynda, The Rotary Club of Springwood

"Year after year, we eagerly anticipate the chance to participate in Meals from the Heart, as it fills our hearts with joy to make a positive impact on the lives of others."

Domaine Homes

"Meals from the Heart is one of the best charity experiences I and my team have ever experienced. I encourage my other industry peers to take some of your team and help out. An unforgettable life experience in giving back."

Steve, John Holland

If your group has participated in the Meals from the Heart group volunteering program, we’d love to hear from you! Your feedback will help us improve our programs, enabling us to better support families. You can share your experience by leaving a Google Review or filling in the form below.

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