Following the transition from Helen Renney’s busy working lifestyle in Sydney, working as a Human Resources Executive. Helen is now one of the lucky ones who gets to call Orange home.

Since moving to Orange Helen has wasted no time cementing herself as a vital member of our community. It was over 30 years ago that Helen first fell in love with Orange, after visiting for work for department store, Myer/Grace Bros.

“Since then, I travelled to Orange regularly over the years for weekends away and in 2012 I was lucky enough to secure a short-term contract to work here, this really confirmed it as a great place to live,” Helen said.

“I was looking to retire from the hustle and bustle of Sydney life – the traffic was continually getting worse and, in my mind, I had always had this idea of living in the country with a cat, a dog and a garden!”

After settling into her new home, Helen contacted Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Rebecca Walsh, to inquire about becoming a volunteer at the house.

It was a Sydney connection which had led to Helen offering her services in the beginning.

“We had a mutual friend in Sydney who urged me to make contact with Rebecca – and of course I am so glad I did,” she said.

For the last twelve months Helen has been volunteering her services for administrative duties at RMHC Orange and has evidently become a valuable member of the volunteer team.

“One of the lovely things about volunteering at Ronald McDonald House in Orange is that there are so many options for volunteers and the time you contribute can be tailored to your skillset or whatever you would like to do. It’s also a good way for people who are new to Orange to meet likeminded people.”

Helen mentioned a standout experience recently which has helped her appreciate how important the work is that Ronald McDonald House Charities is doing in Orange to support families.

“I was working my shift and the hospital called to see if we had a room for a father whose child had been transferred to Orange hospital in an emergency situation. He told staff at the hospital he intended sleeping in his car as he couldn’t afford accommodation, and it was the middle of winter, so they contacted us straight away,” she said.

“When I look back at my decision to resign from my job, sell the house and come to Orange to my life now which I am loving, it really was an audacious move as there was always the risk that I wouldn’t be happy,” she said.

But if her involvement in the community is any indication, Helen is truly living her best life.

“As well as volunteering for Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange, I am playing tennis, have joined the gym and a book club and am part of a lovely group of women who share a love of learning French.”

“My life has completely turned around, I was working 14-hour days in Sydney, and I would recommend to anyone who has any time on their hands to volunteer here at the House where I’ve met such a lovely group of people all working together for the same cause.”

If you would like more information about becoming a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Orange email: admin.orange@rmhc.org.au or call 6363 1960 and ask for Rebecca Walsh or Bronwyn Cooper.