Miles Toyota team at Ronald McDonald House Family Dinner Programme

Cooking for the families at Ronald McDonald House with Miles Toyota

Volunteering for the Family Dinner Programme and cooking for the families at the Ronald McDonald House is one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences. The work we do in this space provides a sense of stability to the families that are doing it tough, and something as simple as eating a healthy, warm, home-cooked meal at a regular time can be a huge help.

The Ronald McDonald House South Island is a charity that’s near and dear to the hearts of the Miles Toyota team. Since the establishment commenced in Christchurch, Miles Toyota has provided vehicles, volunteers, and cash donations to help the House support children and their families. The House works hard to create a special, safe, and comfortable environment for families of children needing hospital attention, at no cost to the families. Miles Toyota are proud to be able to help out such a worthy cause.

Roasted carrot, yams, potatoes, and onion in a tray

Left to right; Ash Pearson (Assistant Marketing Manager), Jaimee Dolan (Events & Sponsorship), Cath and Mark Mills (GM), Tracy Ingram (Used Vehicle Supervisor), and Isaac Williams (Parts Consultant).

What was on the menu?

Our Miles Toyota team have done this before, they know the process and the requirements. It’s fresh vege and some slow cooked meat – always a favourite with the guests. The team of six cooked for 35 guests with the main meal consisting of three legs of lamb, with bulk roasted vegetables; potatoes, kumara, yams, parsnip, carrot, broccoli, and cauliflower. Additional to the main attraction, the Toyota team also worked on a Thai green chicken curry with garlic rice, plain rice, and pita breads which proved to be very popular.

For dessert, the team prepared an amazing chocolate brownie, some fruit skewers, jelly, ice cream, and all the yummy condiments and sprinkles.

Miles Toyota cooking at Ronald McDonald House

Ash Pearson cooking at Ronald McDonalds House Family Dinner Programme

Miles Toyota’s angels in aprons

Miles Toyota continue to support the house through monthly employee volunteer days, A Day at the Polo (presented by Miles Toyota), weekly employee donations matched dollar-for-dollar by the company, plus additional dealership fundraising efforts. Every year the team pull together a special group of ‘angels in aprons’ to cook for the families. A rewarding and humbling experience; one the Miles Toyota team hold very close to their hearts.

Jaimee Dolan and Tracy Ingram cooking at Ronald McDonald House

“Thank you so much for the lovely meal, it’s so nice to feel looked after. Much appreciated.”

“Thank you so much for the beautiful meal. So glad we choose to buy a car from you guys.”

“Thanks for an awesome tea. Almost as good as our Hilux!!”

“Thank you so much for the beautiful meal & yarns.”

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Our friends at Canterbury Rugby Football Union

Miles Toyota’s friends at the Canterbury Rugby Football Union attended just before the families started to arrive. The Canterbury NPC players were great at mingling with the families, doing puzzles with the children, and throwing a rugby ball around outside while we prepared the meals before sitting down with the guests for dinner.

Good luck for this weekend’s game, boys – thanks for coming!

Canterbury Rugby NPC team at Ronald McDonald House

Giving the gift of time

You can also give the gift of time to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in other ways. Find out more on their website.

“There’s nothing more comforting than a home-cooked meal – but by cooking for the Family Dinner Programme, you have given so much more: the precious gift of time.” – Sharon Croker. GM Operations at Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ