House gave mum vital support

Amelia Sadlier, 9 months, was one of over 5000 babies born prematurely last year and was supported by Ronald McDonald House.

As Paraparaumu Beach mother Tiana Badley watches her daughter Amelia pull herself up onto the side of a coffee table, she knowingly watches the nine-month-old trail its edge, with her usual strong confidence.

The sight is a world away from around this time last year when Amelia spent two weeks in Wellington Hospital's neonate unit, six weeks premature, while her mother stayed at the neighbouring Ronald McDonald House.

Ms Badley said thanks to the services of Ronald McDonald House, she had support during some of the hardest weeks of her life.

"I would've had to drive back to Kapiti every day, leaving Amelia in Wellington, instead of being able to get up and go straight to her.

"The people there were always so caring and made you feel like you were at home.

"I was able to bring my son in to stay, which was awesome and there was a games room for him.

"The bedrooms were so relaxing and people from other businesses put on dinners and others brought in baking."

She said without Ronald McDonald House staff, she did not know how she would have coped.

"They were just amazing."

Ms Badley will be among Kapiti locals supporting the charity this Christmas.

Thanks to an initiative run by Ray White Kapiti, families staying at Ronald McDonald House during Christmas will have their days lifted.

For their eighth year, Ray White Kapiti's Rachael Steinmetz and her team are running a present gifting scheme, while raising money for the family charity.

"We love how Ronald McDonald House is there to help keep families together while one of their children, siblings or grandchildren is receiving treatment in Wellington," Ms Steinmetz said.

"Each Ray White sales agent donates to Ronald McDonald House from every house sale.

"They also participate in the annual street collection appeal, attend an annual super club fundraiser dinner and charity auction, and run a collection for presents."

According to the Neonatal Trust, if New Zealand's averages played out, there would be 16 babies born prematurely in the country this Christmas Day.

About one in 10 babies born in New Zealand arrives early, totalling one every 90 minutes.

Ms Steinmetz invited locals to support the charity by gifting a present for a sick child in Wellington Hospital, or one of their family members staying at Ronald McDonald House over Christmas.

"We ask that these gifts please be new due to health reasons.

"Please add labels, stating the age and gender of the person the gift is intended for, and drop them into their office by Friday, December 16.

"We all know how important it is to have family around in times of need."

¦Ray White Kapiti is located at 14a Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach, opposite the skate park.