Ray White helps to raise $400,000 for RMHC® during House to House

With 249 participants across 89 teams, Ray White members ran, walked, swam, and rode their way through the month, raising more than $100,000 for RMHC® New Zealand.

Ray White New Zealand has been a proud supporter of RMHC® New Zealand since 2007.

“At Ray White, we understand that home is more than just four walls, it’s where families come together, especially in challenging times. That’s why we proudly support RMHC NZ’s House to House challenge each year,” Ray White New Zealand chief agency officer Treena Drinnan said.

“Families should never have to worry about where they’ll stay when their child is in hospital, and RMHC® New Zealand provides them with a home away from home when they need it most.

“As a business dedicated to helping people find their place to call home, we are honored to stand alongside RMHC® New Zealand and help keep families close."

Ray White Whangarei and Tutukaka was the top fundraising team for Ray White (and third top fundraising team overall), raising a total of $8,466 for the cause.

The team at Ray White Whangarei got creative for their fundraising, with a variety of different strategies including a Whatsapp garage sale where members listed items for sale via Whatsapp, donating proceeds to RMHC; hosting yoga sessions and walking challenges; multiple food days including Punni Punni Indian street food made by Ray White Whangarei’s Aman Kang, and baked goods made by marketing assistant Jade Corston; and Ray White Whangarei and Tutukaka’s annual White Plate Dinner on the Waterfront.

“We are incredibly proud to be part of the House to House campaign in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities. This achievement was truly a team effort, with every member stepping up in creative and generous ways to contribute - either in product to sell, or by way of donating money for the events,” Ray White Whangarei and Tutukaka business owner Vanessa McKenzie said.

“After speaking with the RMHC® team, we were struck by how many Northland families rely on their services. Knowing that our local community was overrepresented in their accommodation and support system made it feel personal—we wanted to give back in a meaningful way.

“Beyond fundraising, we also wanted to create special moments for families. As part of this, we invited two RMHC families to our White Plate Dinner on the Waterfront, providing them with a night out to relax and enjoy time away from the hospital environment.

“As a director, I feel immensely proud to lead a team that consistently goes above and beyond—not just for their clients but for their community. Their passion, generosity, and willingness to step up is just magic.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed—every effort, no matter how small, made a difference in helping families stay together during some of the toughest times.”

Following very closely behind was Ray White Invercargill who raised $8,164 during March.

“Our team was quick to jump on board and chip in, whether by donating personally or sharing our fundraising efforts on social media to help spread the word. We were active on social media, keeping our community engaged and encouraging donations,” Ray White Invercargill marketing executive Venessa Hodgkinson said.

“A big highlight was our bake sale on March 21 which we held outside the front of our office. It was a fantastic way to bring people together, and thanks to the generosity of our team and the local community, we raised $1,730 from the bake sale alone. We also had raffle tickets available on the day, and the prizes were gift baskets.

“As a family-focused office, we understand the vital role RMHC plays in providing a home away from home for families going through difficult times. Their support is invaluable, and we’re passionate about giving back to help make a difference for those who need it most.

“Supporting RMHC and contributing to the wider Ray White effort has been so rewarding, and we’re grateful for everyone who donated.”

Ray White Blenheim’s Michael Rea (pictured above) was the top individual fundraiser, raising a total of $4,920 for RMHC®, after he and his wife Jessica personally received support from the charity in 2021 when his son Hugo was born eight weeks early.

“This fantastic charity is one which is close to my heart, as my family received the massive benefits of the RMH when my wife, Jessica, went into early labour in 2021,” he said.

“Thankfully, Hugo was born safely through the skilled hands of the NICU team. We remained in NICU and in the care of RMHC for the next week or so as Hugo adapted to the real world.

“The team and the volunteers at RMHC were amazing. Having a home, for free, across the road from the hospital meant I could stay close to my precious family. Having the free accommodation so close took so much stress out of our scary situation.”