Agroup of five women from Penola known as ‘With Love From Penola’ will travel to Adelaide in July to cook a Christmas in July roast meal with all the trimmings for families staying at Ronald McDonald House.
The program is called ‘A meal from the heart’ and is a Ronald McDonald House initiative to support community members by preparing a home cooked meal for country families staying at the house.
It is the third year the group has participated in the event and this year it will be held on July 25.
“A small group of us got together and wanted to give back to Ronald McDonald House as a thank you for the very important service they provide to country families with sick children or high risk pregnancy,” group member Anne Johnson said.
One of the group members, Anne-Marie Williams, is so thankful to the charity having experienced the support after her daughter Kelli spent three months there after having a premature baby, a son Hudson.
It was the start of COVID lockdowns in 2020 and she could not have her family with her.
Staff wrapped their arms around Kelli and looked after her during the difficult time which was so gratefully appreciated by her family.
Many other local women and families have been supported by the initiative over the years.
“The meals from the heart program is one way we can contribute.
“We have also held a very successful online auction and if anyone wants to donate they can contact us through Messenger via our Facebook page, With love from Penola,” Anne said.
The menu this year is roast lamb and turkey, roast pumpkin and potatoes and various vegetables along with pasta bake and a tomato and onion bake.
Sweets will be ice cream, along with peach and apple crumble.
There will also be a Christmas cake and other donated treats.
All ingredients have been donated by local businesses and other people across the region.
“We will start the dinner preparation about 1pm on the day to get the slow cooked meat on and then set the tables for 40 places and decorate the dining area with Christmas decorations and gifts to make it look very festive,” Anne said.
“The children love the excitement of the occasion.
The dinner bell will go at 6pm when serving will start and the evening usually finishes about 8.30pm.
Money raised this year will go towards purchasing new quilt covers and pillowcases for each of the beds to make the rooms look more attractive and homey.
There are 10 family rooms and 10 family apartments with several beds in each.
“We usually have a meal and a chat with the families on the night before the big clean up,” Anne said.
The group loves to give back to Ronald McDonald House for the accommodation and love they provide to country families who are really going through a tough time.
The support from the Penola community has been outstanding through the online auction, money, and food donations.
Last time the group cooked 48 meals.
