Could you swim 3km this November to help sick kids?
Ronald McDonald House Sydney is calling on swimmers across Sydney to dive into SWIM for Sick Kids 2026, a month long challenge raising money to help families stay together while their children receive hospital treatment.
The challenge starts on 1 November, but registrations are open now, with swimmers choosing between three distances depending on how ambitious they’re feeling.
1–30 November 2026
Swim 3km, 15km or 36km across the month
Ronald McDonald House Sydney
Pick your distance
You don’t need to be an Olympian or even a particularly serious swimmer to join in.
Participants can complete their distance across the full month, making it easy to work into regular laps, ocean swims or weekend pool sessions.
Everyone who signs up will also receive a free swimming cap in their welcome pack.
The reason behind the challenge
The money raised will help Ronald McDonald House Sydney support families with sick or injured children receiving hospital care.
Ronald McDonald House Sydney provides accommodation for families who live 100km or more from Sydney, helping parents stay close to their children while they receive treatment at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
It’s about much more than a place to stay
Ronald McDonald House Sydney also provides support through Family Rooms at Sydney Children’s Hospital and Wollongong Hospital.
Parents can access food, coffee, somewhere to rest, a proper bed and shower facilities while their child is receiving treatment.
Children who miss school because of illness or injury can also access up to 40 hours of free tutoring, along with educational assessments, speech therapy or occupational therapy where needed.
An Olympian is getting behind it too
Dual Olympian and mum-of-four Elka Whalan has joined this year’s campaign to encourage more people to get involved.
The goal is 1,100+ swimmers
Ronald McDonald House Sydney is aiming for more than 1,100 registrations this year.
The challenge runs for the full month of November, but registrations are open now — giving swimmers time to choose a distance, start fundraising and get ready to hit the water.
