This year, Katie Holmes has been making headlines almost daily thanks to her enviable style and current reign as 2019's most influential fashion star (have you seen her cashmere bra?). But as the 40-year-old actress landed in Australia on November 15, she was making headlines for another reason. Ahead of National McHappy Day, Holmes visited Ronald McDonald House Westmead to help raise awareness and raise funding for those in need.
McHappy Day is an annual event which aims to raise much-needed funds that help keep families together and provide them with invaluable support while their child is seriously ill or injured and receiving treatment. " As a mum, I can only imagine just how much that helps the child and reduces the impact on the family unit. I’m really proud to help raise awareness and support for such a worthy cause," Holmes said at the event.
Rachelle, mother of Ellie who undertook a bone marrow transplant from her brother at The Children’s Hospital Westmead said: "For seven months, Ronald McDonald House was our home. For 219 nights, we were together. Sharing family meals, sleeping under the same roof, getting through tough times and making new memories. None of this would have been possible without the support of Ronald McDonald House Charities."
Since its inception in Australia in 1991, McHappy Day has raised more than $46 million for RMHC. Fundraising from McHappy Day 2018 contributed to more than 320,000 nights of accommodation for over 10,000 families; more than 1,100 students on any given week receiving tutoring and more than 1,300 home-cooked meals being served for families after a difficult day.
