Community
On Thursday, 26 June, staff across all ILT venues in Invercargill will be swapping suits for slippers and uniforms for onesies as they join the nationwide Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) New Zealand PJ Day.
This annual fundraiser sees thousands of Kiwis from schools, businesses and community groups donning pyjamas to raise funds and awareness for RMHC. The charity provides free accommodation, meals, and support to families who must travel away from home so their child can receive critical medical care.
ILT Chief Executive Chris Ramsay said the organisation values its community partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“We recognise the important role RMHC plays in providing families with a place to stay together during difficult times. As an active funder, we always look to walk the talk and this is a fun way for us to get involved and help drive fundraising efforts, beyond our traditional funding role,” said Chris.
“Small actions, like wearing pyjamas or hosting a donation bucket, remind us that when communities come together, we can create meaningful change for everyone.”
ILT’s commitment to community wellbeing is reflected in its ongoing partnerships with organisations such as RMHC, Hato Hone St John, Hospice Southland and the Cancer Society. These relationships ensure Southlanders have access to critical care, lifesaving equipment and compassionate support when they need it most.
ILT is joined by a growing list of Southland businesses—including New World Elles Road, McCallums Group, Glengarry and Windsor Pharmacies, SBS Bank, and the Southland Business Chamber—as well as schools and early childhood centres.
RMHC Community Engagement Advisor Katelyn Herman said the support has been overwhelming.
“We simply couldn’t do it without the Southland community, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support from local businesses, like ILT. We can’t wait to see PJ Day come to life,” she said.
This year’s PJ Day aims to fund 277 nights of accommodation for families in need. At $234 per night, every dollar raised helps provide a safe, supportive home-away-from-home for families.
“Every dollar raised through PJ Day goes directly to providing a home-away-from-home for families while their child is in hospital,” said Katelyn. “The funds help cover the cost of accommodation, meals, and support services.”
Last year, the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Southland Hospital provided overnight stays for 119 families—averaging nearly 10 nights each—and welcomed 2,893 day visitors. Across the country, 288 Southland families benefitted from RMHC accommodation, saving an estimated $776,880 in accommodation, laundry, parking, and meal costs.
On 26 June, all ILT businesses will have a donation bucket, and supporters can also scan a QR code to donate online.
ILT Participating Venues:
ILT Head Office, Balmoral Lodge Motel, The Langlands, Ascot Park Hotel, Kelvin Hotel, Homestead Villa Motel, South City Liquorland, Collingwood Super Liquor, Super Liquor Southland, East End Bottle Store, Windsor Wines, Centrepoint Liquorland, Waikiwi Tavern, Homestead Avenal, Speight's Ale House, Southland Tavern, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Tavern, Newfield Tavern, Lone Star, Waxy’s Irish Pub
Other Participating Businesses:
New World Elles Road, McCallums Group, Glengarry Pharmacy, Windsor Pharmacy, SBS Bank, Southland Business Chamber, Unichem Riverton Pharmacy, MediaWorks Southland, Ray White (Queenstown, Arrowtown, Te Anau), Four Square Wyndham
Schools & Early Childhood Centres:
Glengarry Kindergarten, Edendale School, Blue Duck Early Learning Centres (Winton, Invercargill, Waihopai), BestStart Elles Road, Just Four Kids, The Cottage, Weka Preschool (Winton), Arrowtown School, Gore Preschool, WanaExcel Education Centre (Wanaka)