To say 2020 has been quite a year is an understatement. It presented challenges, changes and disruption, particularly to the travel and tourism industry. But rather than reflecting on the negatives, we’re going to shine the spotlight on some causes that have continued to do great work, no matter the circumstances.

Helping families and their children stay together

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) supports seriously ill children and their families. Their programs, such as Ronald McDonald Houses and hospital-based Family Rooms, give families a place to stay or take a break while still being near to their child.

In December 2019, we entered into a technology partnership with RMHC South East Queensland, having worked closely with the charity for years. We offered our best-in-class PMS software and technical support free of charge to the charity’s South Brisbane and Herston Houses, enabling them to divert their funding elsewhere.

“We’re so glad that we’re able to give something back to RMHC who make such a difference to the lives of children and their families,” says Tom Buttigieg of RMS Cloud. “As a family business, the work carried out by this charity means a lot to us, and it was an easy decision to help out wherever we could.”

You can help make a difference to families in need by donating, volunteering, hosting a fundraising event and more. Check out RMHC's how to help page for more information.

Empowering people to save lives

Earlier this year, we became a founding sponsor of the DefibsPlus HeartSmart program, which provides participants with the skills and confidence to perform CPR and defibrillation in the event of a cardiac arrest. It empowers everyday people to save lives and is something that has directly affected us at RMS.

“One of our long-term employees passed away while riding his bike due to a sudden cardiac arrest,” explains Tom. “His wife and son also work for us, so it’s still very close to the company.”

“Like many others, my family and I have had close friends and family members pass away from sudden cardiac arrests, which is why we have chosen to get behind DefibsPlus and the Monash University to support the great work they do.”

To help raise awareness, we worked closely with DefibsPlus to run a competition in the lead-up to the HeartSmart launch in October. The prize was a weekend stay in an RMS-powered property. “The program is quick, easy and great for giving you the confidence to be able to use a defib and perform CPR,” says competition winner, Louise Biddell.

Founder of DefibsPlus, Louise Dawson, is grateful for the partnership and looking forward to seeing what the new year brings.

“Thank you, Tom and the incredible RMS team for your unconditional love and support that you have shown to both DefibsPlus and Monash University Paramedicine as founding sponsors to the HeartSmart Program,” says Louise. “We look forward to continuing our work together in 2021 as we build on our Heart Safe Communities.”

Since the program launch, 378 people have signed up to complete the online training, which is free and takes around 20 minutes. We’re encouraging everyone to take part in this life-saving training, which you can access here.

Striving for a cancer-free future 

Since 2010, we’ve partnered with Cancer Council QLD, following a 10-year long partnership that was already in place with Cancer Council SA.

“Cancer Council is a charity we’ve been proud to support for over 20 years,” says Tom. “We are big advocates for cancer-free futures and knew from very early on that we wanted to support the charity by offering our software to simplify their lodge booking experience.”

Spanning five locations across the state, Cancer Council QLD offers 100,000 beds per night, per year, with assistance from RMS who provide the booking systems for the five lodges. 

“RMS help us provide homely, accessible and supportive accommodation facilities to Queenslanders who must travel away from home to access cancer treatment,” says Cancer Council Queensland CEO, Ms Chris McMillan. “During a year that has been challenging for all, we are so grateful that RMS has continued to assist us in keeping our lodge doors open to the Queensland cancer community, because at the end of the day, cancer doesn’t rest, and neither do we.” 

Check out this video of one of Cancer Council QLD’s guests who stayed at their Brisbane accommodation lodge. You can also donate to Cancer Council here to help fund research, education and patient support. 

Sponsors of Cole Walker Offshore Racing

As major partners of Cole Walker, we’re delighted to support Jade and Barney in their Paris 2024 Olympic Games campaign. They’ve had a successful 2020, most recently winning the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s Rudder Cup in the Melbourne to Devonport race.

Watch Jade and Barney in action and click here to support them.

These organisations are close to our hearts and each aligns with our values of commitment and shaping change. We are proud to be able to support them as they continue to do great work around Australia. If you would like to find out more about these organisations, please click on the links above.