Colouring outside the lines to play inside the lines

Macca’s Match For Good: Wellington Phoenix unite with Ronald McDonald House Charities® New Zealand in kids-designed kits

On Saturday, 14 March, the Wellington Phoenix men’s and women’s teams will take to the field for the Macca’s Match For Good double-header, proudly supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) New Zealand.

In partnership with McDonald’s, the annual charity match will shine a spotlight on RMHC NZ’s vital work supporting families who must travel away from home while their child receives hospital treatment, by providing free accommodation and ultimate care. 

This year’s match features a powerful and personal touch, with the Phoenix wearing a bespoke kit designed by children and families currently staying at Ronald McDonald Houses in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Several of the children’s designs will be featured on the charity match jersey, placing RMHC families at the heart of the game.

McDonald’s customers across Aotearoa can support RMHC NZ during the week of the match by donating via in-restaurant kiosks and drive-thru, with McDonald’s franchisees matching every donation to help families stay close during their child’s hospital treatment. Fans can also get behind the cause through the Macca’s Match For Good, with match-worn shirts auctioned following the game and all proceeds donated directly to RMHC NZ. A replica charity jersey will also be available for purchase, with Dynasty donating 10 per cent from every shirt sold to RMHC.

For families like the Slaughters, the Macca’s Match for Good represents far more than a game.

Early last year, Jordan and Ashleigh Slaughter’s lives were turned upside down when their baby daughter Layla was diagnosed with aggressive infant leukemia at just four months old. Within hours of diagnosis, Layla was airlifted from Wellington to Christchurch to begin urgent treatment.

Over the following months, Layla endured intensive chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, severe infections and lengthy stays in ICU across Christchurch and Auckland. Throughout that time, Ronald McDonald House became the family’s anchor - providing a place to stay close to hospital, space for Layla’s big sister Bailey to feel safe and supported, and moments of normality during unimaginable stress. “Ronald McDonald House became our second home,” says Ashleigh. “Having somewhere close to hospital, meals provided, and a space where Bailey could play lifted an enormous burden. When everything else felt out of control, that support meant everything.”

Today, the Slaughter family is back home in Wellington - together. While Layla won’t remember her time at Ronald McDonald House, it will always remain part of her story.

Simon Kenny, Head of Impact and Communications at McDonald’s New Zealand, says the response to last year’s match showed just how much the cause resonates with fans and communities.

“Last year’s Macca’s Match For Good was incredibly well supported, and it really showed how powerful sport can be when it’s used to bring people together for something bigger,” says Kenny. “We’re excited to be doing it again this year, and to build on that momentum in a way that feels even more personal. Having children and families from Ronald McDonald House design the kit puts their stories front and center, and we know that will mean a lot to our customers, franchisees and fans across Aotearoa.”

Lisa Tai, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand, says the continued support from McDonald’s and Wellington Phoenix makes a real difference for families staying in Ronald McDonald Houses.

“The support we received through last year’s match was incredible, and families felt that generosity in very real ways,” says Tai. “To see the campaign return this year with children helping design the kit is incredibly special. It’s a beautiful reminder that this is about real families, real experiences, and keeping people close during some of the toughest moments of their lives. We’re so grateful to everyone involved for continuing to show up for our families in such a meaningful way.”

About Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand®

RMHC® New Zealand is a for-purpose, not-for-profit organisation with the core mission to provide families with accommodation and support when their child is in a hospital away from home.

The Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room programmes take care of the practical things in life so families with a child undergoing medical treatment can focus on spending time together.

Each year we offer over 3,500 families across New Zealand accommodation and support free of charge. This helps to relieve stresses like paying for a place to sleep near the hospital, organising family meals and needing a friendly ear to listen on tough days.

Simply, we give families with a hospitalised child what they need most - each other.