FAMILIES HAVE A GREAT DAY OUT

News Source: Sunshine Coast Daily, page 8, Saturday 2nd October, 2004

Australia Zoo provides a smile for sick kids

Smiles overcame sickness at Australia Zoo yesterday, at least for one day. Steve Irwin’s menagerie provided the perfect Great Day Out for just under 200 sick children and their families.

It was an initiative of McDonald’s Brisbane north restaurants and the Childhood Cancer Support organisations, aimed at providing an exciting day out.

Among the sea of smiling faces were the Doe family of Peregian Beach. Having a memorable day, the experience was full of mixed emotions. Graeme and Tina’s son Kial died three years ago after a two-year battle with leukaemia. It was the first time they had attended a Childhood Cancer Support event since Kial passed away. “We miss him today, that’s for sure.” Tina said. “It has taken us a while to be ready to come to one, but it’s good to see some familiar faces. “It’s lovely to celebrate with everyone and see the smiles on their faces.” The Doe’s said it was good to meet up with old friends, and were full of praise for the support organisation and McDonald’s for the opportunity to take part.

Families came from Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast to join the event, which was made possible with funds raised through McHappy Time in July.

Ronald McDonald even made a special lunchtime appearance, and the children also ventured onto a jumping castle.

Half of the McHappy funds went to Childhood Cancer Support for the day, the remainder was donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities.