Hospitality Carts

Bedside comfort for families at Nepean and Campbelltown Hospitals

Child receiving complimentary items from the RMHC GWS Hospitality Cart at Campbelltown Hospital

Support to refresh the body, mind, and heart

Our Hospitality Carts bring comfort and care directly to paediatric patient families at Nepean Hospital and Campbelltown Hospital, 

Operated five days a week by volunteers, our Carts visit the NICU and Children’s wards, offering body and boredom boosters to patients and their families spending long, emotionally taxing days in the hospital.

Apart from the practical support, these gifts also provide moments of respite for the weary heart, with our dedicated volunteers also offering a listening ear and a friendly smile when families need it most.

What's in the Hospitality Carts

Our Carts carry activity books, puzzles, and toys, as well as snacks and beverages, toiletries, and other comfort items to refresh the body.

These are all offered at no cost to families, alleviating a little bit of the stress that comes with having a seriously ill child in the hospital.

What the Hospitality Carts mean to families

"The RMHC GWS Hospitality Cart is such a wonderful service. Even though you are surrounded by caring healthcare staff, the Cart and their volunteers help serve a sometimes overlooked socio-emotional need for children and their parents. A little something for the kids to brighten their day, a little connection for mums, dads, and carers... really thankful for their visits whenever my sons have been in the hospital."

Gabby

"Absolutely incredible; put a smile on my girl's face while we were waiting to find out what's going on. She's previously been in hospital around Christmastime and you guys also came bearing gifts for her then. We cannot thank you enough!"

Courtney

"My daughter was admitted at Nepean Hospital and as a mum, I'd been feeling down and exhausted. Seeing the Hospitality Cart really brightened my day. The friendly volunteers and thoughtful gesture brought me comfort and a smile. I also received an anti-stress colouring book, which gave me something to do and helped me relax for a moment. Thank you for all the wonderful work that you do."

Rachel

"We were in the hospital for five days. We don't have a car so it was hard for my husband too when we needed anything from home, especially food. As I was breastfeeding, I was always thirsty and hungry. Thankfully, the Ronald McDonald House Hospitality Cart visited me almost every day. They gave me food, toiletries, and a new dummy for my baby. Thank you for being there with me and my baby through our difficulties."

Patricia

"Thank you for seeing us! In the words of Little Miss 6, 'This is the best day of all my life!' Her eyes and mood really picked up. Oh, and thank you for the toothbrush! I really needed that :)"

Amanda

"Just wanted to express our gratitude and appreciation for the little goodies we received during my daughter's admission. Great selection including the variety of toys and books for kids as well as practical items for parents. What a great initiative!"

Cecliia

"We rarely left the hospital and found comfort in knowing we were also having daily visits from the Ronald McDonald House GWS Hospitality Cart. The volunteers were so warm and welcoming, with the additional benefits of snacks for us and toys for the cribs, but our personal favourite is a new book to read to the girls daily."

Tamara

"Our baby was born at 25 weeks, which has meant a very long stay at Nepean NICU. Having visits from the Cart has really helped our journey. Days can be very long and very tough, so to have a friendly welcoming face offer a smile or a snack makes a big difference and what has been most impactful is the LEGO and small toys my son has been gifted. The excitement and joy for him has been so welcomed and we are very grateful the Cart exists."

Ezz

"We just wanted to say how incredibly grateful we are for what you're doing here at Nepean. After a scary patch of time through labour, transfer to NICU, and not knowing what was going to happen, the small act of bringing snacks, coffee, and a warm smile was so touching. No one plans to watch their newborn go through intensive care, and the tough times are made just that little bit more bearable, thanks to your amazing work."

Brendan

"I just want to say thank you for brightening our time in the children’s ward by bringing the Hospitality Cart around. The generosity and variety of choice was really outstanding! It made the hospital visit less scary and the yummy coffee sachet was a bonus for mum."

Caitlin

"The Cart coming around to see us just brightened my and my husband's day. Our baby girl has been in hospital 7 out of the 9 days of her life, and it's been very emotional and tiring. We were given some snacks and a knitted octopus, which made us smile and feel so cared for. Thank you."

Clare

"I never knew this existed. I had a lady knock on the door and offer me juice and chips while my bub was asleep. After she left, I cried cause it was just so nice. I hadn't eaten anything and I couldn't leave the room cause my bub and I had COVID."

Alisha

"It was amazing to be able to give something to my boy to distract him from all the chaos. We also received a little something for my oldest son who was by his brother’s side the whole time. We will always be forever grateful for this act of kindness in what has been the scariest part of my parenting journey so far. Thank you to everyone who helps provide this for the kids that are not well and could use a little joy in hard times."

Sammy

"I am absolutely blown away by this service and it brought a much-needed smile to my face! My daughter was in surgery when the ladies came around; however, they left her with a lovely surprise when she woke up. It was the smallest of gestures; however, it meant the world to me."

Briony

"What a beautiful thing to do, to bring around a Cart for the kids to choose from. It made Layla's day, especially missing out on enjoying her first school holidays."

Jazmin

"Thank you so much for your visit at Campbelltown Hospital this morning. It was so lovely to see my daughter interested in something, and something to help pass the time. Thank you again!"

Alicia

"This is seriously the coolest idea. There is only so much a parent can do to entertain their toddler. Thank you ever so much."

Renee

"I would like to say a big thank you to the Ronald McDonald Hospitality Carts. It’s the small gestures of food/snacks for the parents and also the sweet toys for babies. My baby loves to fiddle or even pull his feeding tube out. The Hospitality Carts had a hand-knitted octopus so my little one could get his fingers entangled with the tentacles instead of his tubes."

Talitha

Ways to support

There are several ways you can help us continue to provide this much-needed service. You may:

 

If you have other ideas or any questions, please feel free to fill out the form below.

Share your Hospitality Cart story

Has the Hospitality Cart made a difference to your family? We’d love to hear from you. Your feedback will help us improve our programs, enabling us to better support families. You can leave a Google Review or fill out the feedback form below.

Make a Difference for Families & Children

Parents don’t know when their children will need medical help. But they should know they can always access the care they need. With your help, we can support them throughout their journey.

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