group photo of the miles Toyota team and rugby union

Back row, Left to right; Tom Christie, Rameka Poihipi, Elize De Goede (ILAM Toyota Vehicle Sales Manager), Calah Chernishoff (Miles Toyota Parts Manager), Zach Gallagher, Martin Mulinge (Miles Toyota Groomer), Brodie McAlister, Marty Bourke. Front Row, Left to right; Elijah Hyde (Miles Toyota Groomer), Jenny Woods (Customer Experience and Business Development Manager), Ashleigh Holgate (Business Development Advisor)

Supporting our Local Community: The Ronald McDonald House

The annual Ronald McDonald House Family Dinner Programme has come around again. This is when the Miles Toyota team eagerly steps into the kitchen to share their teamwork and best recipes to provide the whole house with a comforting, home-cooked meal.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities® New Zealand (RMHC® NZ) is one with a special place in the hearts of the Miles Toyota team. Having supported the House since its establishment in Christchurch, the Family Dinner Programme continues to be a highlight on the team’s busy schedule, providing such a rewarding and humbling experience. Over the years, Miles Toyota has provided vehicles, volunteers, and cash donations to help the House support children and their families.

The House continues to create a special, safe, and comfortable environment for families of children needing hospital attention, at no cost to the families. Miles Toyota is proud to be able to help such a worthy cause.

On the menu

Our Miles Toyota team is well-seasoned in creating a feast for the families, but every year we like to try to mix it up a bit for some fun. This year there was a selection of classic Kiwi pies, our parts manager Calah’s Mexican salad, winter roast veggies, and a creamy potato bake.

When dessert rolled around, we served up a traditional South African custard-sponge dessert with ice cream, which was very well received.

Before the Kick-off

In the lead-up to dinner time, the House had some rather tall and strong visitors arrive wanting to join in the fun. Zach Gallagher, Tom Christie, Rameka Poihipi, Brodie McAlister, and head coach Marty Bourke from the Canterbury Rugby Football Union came to spend some special time with the children and their families. As an extra special treat, the marketing and events team had set up some stations to decorate your own rugby ball cookie.

The tables were a vibrant showcase of colourful icing, sprinkles, candies, and, of course, delectable rugby ball-shaped sugar cookies, made by a local, artisanal baker. The players and the children were both in their element.

star cookie decorator ronald mc Donald house

More than just dinner

Miles Toyota continues to support the house through the use of vehicles, 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.