On Track Magazine Spring 2021

20 The Moonee Valley Racing Club believes that a sense of belonging and care for those less fortunate is the cornerstone of a healthy, thriving community. The Club is often referred to as a ‘big family’ by our staff, members, and industry participants and there is a feeling of warmth and welcoming when you enter the gate or experience the brand in general. For the third consecutive year, The Club is proud to support the fantastic work of Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria and Tasmania through the sales of our popular and collectable Cox Plate Charity Pins. This initiative helps support children like little Mackenzie and her family. This is their story. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, Mackenzie, 3, was not feeling well for a couple of months and mum, Tanya, knew that something wasn’t right. “She had been unwell with fevers and viruses over a couple of months before I took her to the hospital,” explained mum Tanya. From their home in Wendouree, it takes over an hour for Mackenzie’s family to get to Melbourne for treatment and hospital visits. However, the trip is more comfortable nowadays – thanks to their second home and the compassionate community they’ve created in Ronald McDonald House. When exhausted and anxious families arrive at the House, compassionate staff and volunteers are always there – ready to greet them with a warm hug, a kind word and a cuppa. The House is also a place where they find the companionship of other families going through a similar journey. “It’s nice to be back home, but you do miss the big House because everyone becomes like family – you spend so much time with them that the friendships you make become extra special,” says Tanya. “When you are thrown into a medical emergency, a place to stay can be the most stressful thing to organise.” Mackenzie and her family have spent 156 nights at Ronald McDonald House. During Mackenzie’s intensive stage of treatment, the COVID-19 pandemic put Victoria into a state of emergency. This meant that Tanya and Mackenzie were isolated without her three siblings and dad, Brenton. Mackenzie is one of the thousands of children who have been able to heal while being surrounded by the love and support of their family, thanks to the Ronald McDonald House program. COMMUNITY UPDATE 2021 COX PLATE CHARITY PIN TO SUPPORT SERIOUSLY-ILL CHILDREN MVRC Editorial