Boss McHappy to help ill kids
BUSINESSMAN Paul Rissman says Townsville is a community of “doers not talkers”.
“What is fantastic about Townsville, and North Queensland for that matter, is that people are only too happy to help others in need,” Mr Rissman, who owns McDonald’s restaurants in the region, said.
“Rather than simply talk about what needs to be done to help others, mostly people get on with it and help either through donations or through putting in the time to volunteer.”
Mr Rissman has been recognised with a national award for his contribution to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, alongside Vicki Carson, who is the service group director of Health and Wellbeing at Townsville Hospital.
Mr Rissman was inducted in the charity’s Hall of Fame having served on the Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia board of directors for 14 years and is in his second term as board chairman.
Ms Carson has served on the board of directors for the past 18 years.
“I am an advocate of giving back to the community that supports me as a business person,” he said.
“Ronald McDonald House plays a crucial role in the community, helping families at a time when they are going through a crisis.”
The Ronald McDonald House provides Townsville hospital- adjacent accommodation and other services to sick kids and their families.
The house can accommodate more than 100 people each night, and the average length of stay for these families is two to three months.
It also operates a Family Room at the Townsville Hospital, a Family Retreat in Palm Cove and the Learning Program across North Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Mr Rissman said Ms Carson was instrumental in setting up the family room at the Townsville Hospital.
“Ms Carson’s dedication to ensure families are able to stay close to their sick child is second to none,” he said. “It is such a team effort and I’m proud to be a part of it and I take my hat off to Vicki.
“Ronald McDonald House wouldn’t be possible without the support of the generous North Queensland community, and the dedication of Vicki, and the time and effort of so many volunteers.”