Walking back into the Ronald McDonald House art room was a full-circle moment for Tiff McLeod and her daughter Mela. It was their sanctuary for years, but this time they were returning as teachers, bringing the creative programme back to life.
“It’s like coming home,” smiles Tiff, 41.
For more than five years, Tiff’s daughter Eva was in Starship Hospital after being born with a hole in her diaphragm.
Meanwhile, a then-preschool Mela, so used to her days revolving around Eva’s needs, found freedom in paint, clay, colour and kindness in the art room.
“Straightaway, we were wrapped up in this world of love,” remembers Tiff.
The art classes became an integral part of Mela’s childhood and her teachers became like family.
Tiff shares, “The teachers, Andrea and Emmy, were…