Scary times raise funds for sick kids

Photo: SHANE WENZLICK

RAISING HELL: Ronald McDonald House fundraising manager Karinia Lee, second from left, gets a fright on her first visit to Spookers as general manager Julia Watson and McDonald’s Takanini and Papakura franchisee Martha Hill look on.

A spooky staff party has turned frightened fastfood workers into fundraising freaks.

Screams are often heard coming from haunted attraction Spookers at the former Kingseat psychiatric hospital.

But at the McDonald’s staff Christmas party last year each shriek from an employee was worth about $30 to sick children supported by the Ronald McDonald House charity.

McDonald’s franchisee Martha Hill and Spookers general manager Julia Watson hit on the idea two years ago and since then about $64,000 has been raised.

"It evolved into a Christmas party for the McDonald’s crew and management and it grew from there," Mrs Hill says.

"Last year we had 1355 people – they love it and they’re already asking when are we doing it next year."

Raising $38,000 from last year’s event has ensured the party will go ahead again this year. Ms Watson says the fundraiser is a great opportunity for staff to contribute to charity and raise a little hell at the same time.

"It was just a really good night and my staff really enjoyed it themselves.

"Our staff really appreciated it and understood what they were doing and where the fundraising money was going.ych

"Most of them worked for free so all the money could go to the Ronald McDonald House."

Ronald McDonald House fundraising manager Karinia Lee says the "huge" donations received from the event will be used to keep the organisation’s many projects running.

The charity provides a "home away from home" for children and families at three hospitals across the country, as well as family rooms, a mobile dental clinic and three new family retreat homes near Rotorua.

- © Fairfax NZ News