Emotional and physical security combine at Ronald McDonald Kinderhilfe charity in Austria. A SAFE SPACE In keeping with the motto PHYSICAL SECURITY IS ESSENTIAL There are few things more important “Nähe hilft” (closeness helps), This feeling of peace and security than helping a child recover from a the Kinderhilfe homes are safe, is vital, but it’s also about physical serious illness. This is the mission comfortable spaces for family-centred security as much as it is emotional. of the Ronald McDonald Kinderhilfe care. Children can enjoy a normal When the Kinderhilfe chose to expand of Austria. Over the past 36 years, experience of home-cooked food its Salzburg location, it quadrupled the the charity has provided rest for and play with siblings within the building’s capacity to house up to thousands of families in need of comfort of a private family space. 16 families at the same time. As part temporary accommodation at They are designed with purpose, of this, over 40 doors had to be fitted hospitals where their children with lots of natural light, green spaces with new locks and, having considered received treatment. This includes and communal areas that provide the options, it was the ENiQ® digita l Houses in Graz, Salzburg and Vienna. room to breathe and a chance to relax. locking range that was most suitable. Staff are available around the clock Operations ManagerMaximilian It’s not only a kind gesture. When a to listen, answer questions and offer Steiner explains: child is close to family, their recovery emotional support. Crucially, is usually a third faster. The Ronald the Ronald McDonald House is right “Choosing the right locking system McDonald houses remove the stress next to the hospital. This ensures was very important, especially due to of physical and emotional distance. secure, immediate access at any the number of frequently changing They also help remove the financial time of the day or night. guests. With the challenge of keys burden of constant travel to often not being returned, choosing an doctors’ appointments. erasable key was the right way to go.” Photo credits: ©cap’n brandy Best of DOM | 31