Participants in the World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) competition, hosted on April 10 and 11, taking place at One Strength Gym in Moulder Street, took charge and completed the heavy lifting for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Not only did many of the participants exceed their personal best, but the day was also a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved to raise funds to support families who stay at Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange.

The event attracted 14 female and 31 male participants from all over New South Wales including Gosford, Wagga Wagga, and towns from across the central west, along with interstate competitors from Canberra and Melbourne.

One Strength owner Lyle Davis said everyone involved was thrilled to be able to raise $1,600 to be donated to RMHC Orange.

Jodie Stewart who runs the recently established creche at the gym, put the fundraising proposal forward for the gym, to coincide with the competition.

Jodie and her husband, chef Jamie Stewart of Café Connect, are part of the fundraising committee at Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange.

“It was a fantastic day all round and everyone was so generous,” she said.

Mr Davis said the competition was a qualifying event for the WRPF national titles to be held in September this year.

Since Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange opened almost five years ago, 856 families have stayed at the house from towns in the central and far west for a total of 7003 nights, with all accommodation and services provided free of charge.

Mrs Stewart said she was delighted with the success of the fund raising.

“I thought the power lifting day was a perfect opportunity for people involved in helping families who are dealing with a sick baby, child or adolescent and need to stay at the house in Orange.”

RMHC Orange is currently looking for more volunteers for the house to meet with the growing demand for accommodation.

If you would like more information about becoming a volunteer to assist with housekeeping and cleaning, administration, weekend or overnight volunteering, please contact Ronald McDonald House Charities on 6363 1960 and ask for House Manager Bronwyn Cooper or Executive Officer, Rebecca Walsh.