Ronald McDonald House Canberra CEO Eoghan O’Byrne with prominent local businessman, philanthropist and gala name sponsor Mirko Milic of Lexus of Canberra – and the shiny new set of wheels one lucky (and generous) winner will soon own. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
The engine has started on one of Canberra’s most exciting raffles – and it’s all for a cause that keeps families together when they need it most.
Today marks the official launch of the Ronald McDonald House ACT & SE NSW car raffle with a new Lexus LBX, valued at $54,656, up for grabs.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online via the Ronald McDonald House ACT & SE NSW website, Lexus of Canberra, or at McDonald’s outlets across the region.
The winning ticket will be drawn on Saturday, 18 April, at the 2026 Lexus of Canberra Ronald McDonald House Gala Ball – a glittering night that not only promises show-stopping entertainment, but delivers tangible results for families facing the unimaginable.
Unlike many charity raffles, where the prize is purchased out of funds raised, this Lexus LBX has been generously donated outright by Mirko Milic and Lexus of Canberra. That means every dollar raised goes directly to Ronald McDonald House.
For CEO Eoghan O’Byrne, who joined Ronald McDonald House ACT & SE NSW earlier this year, the generosity hits home.
“For a family to stay in the house it costs $160 a night, so it’s not inexpensive. But it means families with seriously ill or injured children at Canberra Hospital can stay together,” he says.
“At the hardest time of their lives, we can be there for them – and it’s all thanks to our community, our volunteers, and sponsors like Mirko.”
Lexus of Canberra has stood beside Ronald McDonald House ACT & SE NSW as the name sponsor for 12 years, donating a car annually.
Every year, hundreds of families walk through the doors of Ronald McDonald House Canberra. There, they find warmth, a safe place to rest, and a community of volunteers ready to provide a meal, a listening ear, or simply the comfort of being close to their child in hospital.
In 2024 alone, Ronald McDonald House ACT & SE NSW and South East NSW was supported by more than 140 volunteers who gave 7500 hours of their time, preparing meals, keeping the house running and ensuring no family felt alone.
The venture is fuelled by their efforts, as well as the generosity of the community, and initiatives such as the Meals From The Heart corporate support program and Baking a Difference event. But the gala event is the single biggest fundraising event of the year.
“It’s safe to say it keeps the lights on at Ronald McDonald House ACT & SE NSW,” Eoghan says.
This year’s gala ball promises a Parisian-inspired celebration with a Rouge Royale theme. Guests will enjoy a night of unforgettable entertainment, exquisite dining and the chance to win the Lexus raffle in a room filled with 1000 supporters.
Tables of 10 are now on sale for $3750, and every ticket makes a measurable difference.
When the raffle winner is announced, one person’s life will change in an instant – and thanks to the generosity behind every ticket, so will the lives of countless families.
Buy your raffle ticket at Ronald McDonald House Charities ACT & South East NSW.
