Cooking with Heart: APG at RMHC Sydney’s Home for Dinner

This week our APG crew swapped the office for the kitchen at Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney.

The mission was simple. Cook dinner for families staying at the House. But the impact went far beyond the food.

How the Night Unfolded

At 3:30 pm we arrived at the House and were welcomed by Merrick, RMHC Sydney’s Partnership and Relationship Coordinator. He showed us around and gave us a glimpse into the spaces where families come together, find comfort and support one another. It was a powerful reminder of why we were there.

By 4:00 pm the kitchen was alive. Knives were chopping, pots were simmering and trays of lasagne were stacked high, ready for the oven. The BBQ crew had flames roaring outside and inside the smell of sticky date pudding was drifting through the air. Then the onions hit the chopping boards. Within minutes the whole kitchen was teary eyed. We will let you decide if it was the onions or just the emotions of the moment.

By 6:00 pm dinner was served. Lasagne, fried rice, fresh salads, grilled meats and of course sticky date pudding. The table was full, the food was hot and the rain did nothing to stop the BBQ from delivering. Comfort food at its best and made with a whole lot of teamwork.

Why it Matters

For the families staying at RMHC dinner is more than a meal. It is a chance to pause, to sit together and to feel a little bit of normal during a very uncertain time. If we were able to make their night a little brighter, then every onion tear and every drop of rain was worth it.

The Next Morning

The following morning we opened our inbox to a beautiful thank you from RMHC Sydney. It reminded us that the simplest gestures often leave the greatest impact.

Looking Back

The night was full of laughter, teamwork, BBQs in the rain and maybe a sneaky taste of dessert before serving. Everyone pitched in, everyone had fun and together we created something special.

We are proud to have supported RMHC Sydney and their mission of keeping families close when it matters most. And we can promise this will not be the last time APG steps into the kitchen.