‘Family Stays’ - Ronald McDonald House Malta renews social commitment

At a learning centre in Qawra, children navigating autism, developmental challenges or learning difficulties are working with therapists to build new skills and find their footing. Their parents – many facing a diagnosis they didn’t see coming – are getting the guidance they need to advocate for their child without doing it alone. This is the day-to-day work of Ronald McDonald House Malta, a charity that this week enters a new chapter under a refreshed name and identity.

The independent non-profit foundation, registered in Malta since 2012, opened its purpose-built Learning Centre in Qawra in 2019. The fully accessible, autism-friendly space delivers educational, therapeutic and developmental support to children and young people, alongside training and well-being sessions for parents and carers. In 2025 alone, Ronald McDonald House supported 1,810 children and young people, delivering more than 2,000 hours of direct support.

“Family-centred care is central to evrything we do,” shares Martin Xuereb, chairman of the Board of Administrators of Ronald McDonald House Malta. The concept brings families and professionals together to shape support around each family’s specific needs. Xuereb describes the Learning Centre as a “launch pad” with a multiplying effect: alongside its own programmes, it hosts 26 partner NGOs and agencies, including Aġenzija Sapport and FSWS, which use the space to run their own work.

The rebrand, from Ronald McDonald House Charities Malta to Ronald McDonald House Malta, forms part of a wider refresh across the global Ronald McDonald House network – founded in the United States in 1973 and today operating across 65 countries through 135 chapters. While the name and visual identity have evolved, the mission remains unchanged. The charity’s new unifying message – “Family Stays” – reflects its commitment to keeping families connected and supported through challenging moments.

The Malta chapter operates as a separate, independent NGO with its own board and fundraising. McDonald’s is the organisation’s “founding and forever partner”, Xuereb explains, providing visibility, fundraising support and volunteer time. However, the charity relies on a much wider network of community supporters, including Maypole, which hosts collection boxes across 18 of its outlets.

The new chapter also brings new programmes. A Motor Sensory Room, recently inaugurated, is available to parents and professionals across Malta. And a new Parent Empowerment Programme is launching for families whose children have just received a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. The programme is designed to give overwhelmed parents a head start through the disorientating early weeks as they adjust to a new reality.

The independent non-profit foundation, registered in Malta since 2012, opened its purpose-built Learning Centre in Qawra in 2019.

“Ultimately, impact is measured in the lives we help change,” Xuereb says, pointing to Ronald McDonald House Malta’s focus on ensuring more children and families feel supported, informed and less alone during challenging moments.

As the organisation enters this new chapter, he invites the public, partners and supporters to help expand that impact - so more families across Malta and Gozo can access the support they need.