Mortgage Choice lends a hand to seriously ill children & their families

Australia's largest independently-owned mortgage broker will leverage its national reach, resources and revenue to help fund and support initiatives that improve the lives of seriously ill children and their families.

Since opening its first Ronald McDonald House in 1981, RMHC has helped make life easier for more than 75,000 families. It provides support through a wide range of programs that stretch across the continuum of care - accommodation, in-hospital support, education programs, health initiatives and financial grants. One in eight Australians have been helped or know someone who has been helped by a RMHC program.

CEO Michael Russell said, "We have been exploring fundraising avenues in many different areas for some time and we finally found the right partnership fit with Ronald McDonald House Charities."

"Mortgage Choice helps Australians achieve their property dreams and Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for seriously ill children and their families, who need tremendous support when essential treatment is being administered.

"We are thrilled to form a close relationship with this much valued not-for-profit organisation that has made the emotional and physical experience of childhood illness a little less frightening for 30 years now. Our franchise network and staff are passionate about giving back to their local communities and will happily extend that to helping bring more positivity to families going through the turmoil of serious illness."

Mortgage Choice will now donate from commissions received for every home loan settled, backdating this to 1 July 2011. Staff and franchisees are encouraged to show support by making a voluntary contribution from each pay packet or loan settled and by volunteering time at RMHC events across the country.

In addition, regular fundraising morning and afternoon teas will be held and the annual Mortgage Choice National Conference will feature a fundraising night where all proceeds go to RMHC.

Malcolm Coutts OAM, CEO for RMHC said, "As many as 270 families will sleep at a Ronald McDonald House tonight, as more than 6,000 do each year. Childhood illness can have a devastating effect. With fear and uncertainty come the practicalities of managing the family when the child is away in hospital."

"In a country as big as Australia, specialist care may be a long way from home and many families simply can't afford to stay in hotels while their children receive treatment, which is often extended periods of time. Further, the child's illness often affects much more than their health - it can stop them going to school.

"We help thousands when they need it most but the demand on our programs is growing. To meet the needs of seriously ill children and their families, we are expanding significantly, so financial support is always greatly needed and appreciated.

"Mortgage Choice is a strong fit for us. We are looking forward to a corporate partnership that delivers real substance for our charity and the Australian families who rely on us to help keep them stronger, together."

For information about Mortgage Choice call 13 MORTGAGE or visit Facebook.com/MortgageChoiceor Twitter.com/MortgageChoice.

For more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities call 1300 307 642 or visit rmhc.org.au or Facebook.com/RMHCAustralia.

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Belinda Williamson      
Mortgage Choice Corporate Affairs     
(02) 8907 0472 / 0407 416 124  
belinda.williamson@mortgagechoice.com.au