Steve Bleakley

Steve had been looking for a way to give back to the community. After a bit of research he found the volunteer programme at Ronald McDonald House and thought it was the perfect match.  Steve could fit us around his work commitments and we could give him the ‘hands on’ experience he wanted. "After being shown around the House and seeing the facilities first hand I knew that it was for me” Steve says.

That was six years ago.  He’s now become a regular volunteer, coming in once a fortnight after work.

“He is super reliable, shows great initiative and respect and brings his A-game to every shift. We look forward to Mondays when he bounds in ready for anything, proudly wearing his Ronald McDonald House threads,” says Sarah Ferens, Volunteer Manager.

From setting up port-a-cots, delivering bedding to rooms to putting away toys, bikes and push chairs he does it all. He even“tests" the PlayStations to ensure they work. Steve knows his way around the Domain House better than most people.

He is the perfect sidekick for our Front of House staff. “He always dives in and gets things done, but does with a sense of joy and fun, making the staff and families laugh,” says Michelle Halpin, Family Support Coordinator who Steve supports on Monday nights.

Not stopping at simply volunteering, in 2016 Steve ran the ASB Auckland Marathon for Ronald McDonald House and raised over $2,000. His dedication to the House and families we support truly makes him a House Hero.

“The best thing about volunteering at Ronald McDonald House is the genuineness of the “thank you” I receive from the families. I love walking out the door after my shift knowing that I’ve made a genuine difference to someone’s life,” Steve Bleakley, House Hero.

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