Calling all movers, shakers and Tik Tok makers - dance for sick kids is here

From this February, Aussies can register for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) inaugural national Dance for Sick Kids fundraiser. The week-long dance challenge will take place from May 15th – 21st, raising money for seriously ill and injured children and their families across the country.

RMHC is calling on all Aussies to get involved by pledging to dance between 30 – 120 minutes per day for one week, with all funds raised going back to those in need. With a line up of virtual workshops from Marko Panzic (choreographer to the stars) and 2020 Dancing with the Stars winning dance partner Jarryd Byrne, Dance for Sick Kids welcomes all skill levels, ages and stages to bust a move.

Marko Panzic, Dance For Sick Kids Ambassador, said, “I became an ambassador for Dance for Sick Kids after visiting the Ronald McDonald House at Randwick, where I cooked for the families with Ricki Lee Coulter. Just from spending time in the House I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.

“Every single person should get involved in Dance for Sick Kids. Dance is fun – we all do it on a Saturday night, we do it with our friends, so why not do it for a great cause and raise some incredible money for people who need it”.

Funds raised through the Dance For Sick Kids program will go directly towards supporting seriously ill and injured children and their families across the country. Ronald McDonald House Charities relies on the support of communities to continue doing the crucial work they do everyday.

Barbara Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, said, “We’re calling on everyone – from individuals to dance troops, community groups and schools - to take part in our virtual fundraiser. We know how much Aussies love having fun in the name of a good cause, so our Dance for Sick Kids challenge is the perfect opportunity to show us their dancing skills and support – even for just 30 minutes a day.

“The past year has been especially tough for the families of seriously ill or injured children, and as a charity we are constantly adapting the way we operate to continue to support these families.

Whether it’s grooving at home on your own or in the office as a group, we need Aussies to put their dancing shoes on and get involved in this meaningful cause”.

Registrations are now open and will close on May 14th. Head to http://www.danceforsickkids.com for further information or to register.

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For further information please contact:

Leah Eastment | leah.eastment@thisismango.com.au | 0448 728 747

Shantelle O’Riordan | shantelle.oriordan@thisismango.com.au | 0477 894 895

Notes to editors:

About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is an independent charity that helps seriously ill children and their families.

The cornerstone program of RMHC, the Ronald McDonald House, provides a ‘home away from home’ for families of seriously ill and injured children being treated at nearby hospitals. The Houses keep families close by giving parents and siblings the opportunity to stay together to support their sick loved ones. RMHC currently has 18 Houses throughout Australia accommodating more than 10,000 families annually.

Other programs include the Ronald McDonald Family Room Program which provides a relaxing haven within hospitals giving families a break from the stress of many hours spent by their child’s bedside, and The Ronald McDonald Learning Program which currently helps over 1,100 children on any given week catch up on missed schooling following a serious illness.

Additionally, The Ronald McDonald Family Retreat Program provides families with seriously ill children a week’s free accommodation at one of five family retreats across Australia, enabling them to reconnect and enjoy a holiday when they most need it and can least afford it.