Lions Clubs in the central and southern North Island and top of the South Island have become the second biggest contributor to Wellington’s Ronald McDonald House and are on track to raise a massive $1 million.

An old house adjoining the 20-year-old Ronald McDonald House was always earmarked for demolition and a rebuilding project. But this was extended when the newer purpose-built accommodation across the road from Wellington Hospital in Newtown was found rotting from the inside with leaky building syndrome.

It was decided to demolish both structures and replace them with a $14 million 34-bedroom Ronald McDonald House, which enables families with children suffering from severe or terminal illnesses to stay together while their children receive treatment at Wellington Hospital.

Photo: Silverstream Lions Rex Bullard (left), David Irving and Roy Peterson were recognised for their enormous contribution in driving the fundraising campaign when they spoke at a ground breaking ceremony to mark the start of the rebuilding phase.  Read more