Grateful mums pay it forward (+video)

Juanita Himona (front) holding Te Wiroa, 2, with Allyn Boyd and Khaliiel, 2, (left) and Levi Emery and Teimana Emery-Maaka, 2. Photo / Ben Fraser

Three Rotorua mums know better than most how stressful it is being in hospital with a sick child.

Juanita Himona, Allyn Boyd and Levi Emery all agree the last thing on your mind in that situation is what you're going to have for dinner.

That's why the group has decided to "pay it forward" by feeding the families staying at Ronald McDonald House in Auckland a three-course meal on November 2.

Ms Himona, whose son Te Wiroa needed open heart surgery to repair a hole in his heart, organised a similar event in 2013 and said she decided to do it again this year.

"After the success of the 2013 dinner, I thought it would be a good idea to do it again. Ronald McDonald House have done so much for us so this is just one way we are able to show our gratitude.

"Allyn, Levi and I are always bumping into each other at the hospital and they were keen to get on board and pay it forward for all the help the organisation has given us in our times of need."

The menu, set up to feed 120 families and staff, includes roast pork, chicken schnitzel, spaghetti and meatballs, Greek and pasta salads, cake, ice cream, fruit salad and eclairs.

Ms Boyd said she was keen to help out because she understood what it was like to be at the bedside of her sick child.

"Food is the last thing on your mind and when you do start to get hungry, you don't want to go far from your child so you end up eating from the vending machine or cafe.

"This initiative means there is one less thing for these families to worry about, even if it is just for a night."

Ms Himona said they aimed to raise $1400 to cover the cost of food and had so far raised $1000. "Things like travel costs will probably come out of our own pocket, we would just like to raise enough money to cover the food costs."

-To make a donation, go to https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/pathwayttormhdinnernight