No one wants their child to be in the hospital or to stay away from their homes, especially during the holidays. But for many families, the critical treatment their child requires in hospital keeps them far from where they live. This year, for the 30th season, Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario (RMHCSCO), located in Hamilton, will be a home away from home for nearly 40 families throughout the holidays.
The 39-bedroom House, across the street from McMaster Children’s Hospital, operates year-round to provide out-of-town families with a comfortable place to stay close to their sick child. Fundraising efforts, especially during the holidays and season of giving, help ensure the sustainability of the home so that guests contribute a nominal fee of $12 per night. More than beds and a roof over their head, RMHC provides daily meals to families and a variety of programming, including children’s crafts, a caregiver wellness room, and movie nights.
“Home is where you feel comfortable and safe,” says Mario De Divitiis, CEO of RMHCSCO. “It’s the place you’re able to regroup during hard times and reconnect with family. That’s why it’s so important that our House feel like home for our guests.” Often, while children are treated at the hospital, their parents or siblings stay at the Ronald McDonald House. “We take care of them, so that they have the energy and spirit to be there for their child.”
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For these families with a seriously ill child in the hospital, getting ready for the holidays isn’t always a priority. To help ease the financial and emotional stress for their families, RMHC South Central Ontario provides gifts, special holiday meals and baked goods, Breakfast with Santa, and tree decorating so that families can share special moments together — even during a difficult time.
“I feel so fortunate that we had a soft place to land while we were going through something so hard,” shared Suzanne Parvu Chase on Facebook. Even the two RMHC family rooms at McMaster Children’s Hospital are extensions of a home away from home within the hospital.
All of this is made possible by a community of generous donors, supporters and an army of volunteers. This year, Ontario Power Generation has sponsored Christmas trees, and Dominion Lending has sponsored Breakfast with Santa. An alumni family has sponsored a Christmas Eve dinner for families at the House, and groups continue to book Mission Experience meal adoptions and are volunteering throughout the season.
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“Our lives were forever changed and (their) services gave us the ability to cope, to rest, to breathe, and to focus on family during the harshest/scariest of times. Thank you just doesn’t suffice,” shared former guest Hilary Wareham.
Companies from across southern Ontario are also preparing for a busy season of giving with a variety of fundraising activities planned. This year, supporters can register their workplace holiday party or fundraiser as part of the Holiday Hero Fundraiser — through this, organizations can double their donation dollars with a matching donation from Coca-Cola Canada. From ugly Christmas sweater competitions to holiday bake sales and potlucks, each donation will have double the impact to help families. RMHCSCO shared that the actual cost to house a family, including meals, for a week, is close to $1,400; this year, a $700 donation will be doubled to help keep a family close to their child for a week.
Over the coming weeks, these special events, shopping opportunities and home-cooked treats will be comforting reminders of normalcy for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
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“It’s hard when families can’t be at home for the holidays while their children are in hospital. We are honoured to be their home away from home to make the holidays special even in a little way!” says De Divitiis.
If you’re interested in supporting a family’s home away from home this holiday season, there are many ways that you can donate and bring a moment of magic to countless families and children:
• Make a donation — From $50 to keep a family close, to $500 to sponsor dinner for 39 families.
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• Register your workplace holiday fundraiser and double your donation — For every dollar your employees fundraise in support of RMHC, Coca-Cola Canada will double your donation and double your impact to RMHCSCO.
• Adopt-a-Meal — The in-house culinary team will prepare the meal that you have sponsored so that families can enjoy a home-cooked meal courtesy of your generosity.
• Sponsor holiday activities — Christmas tree sponsorship, winter wonderland shopping experience, holiday movie bundles, etc.
To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario and how you can support families, visit rmhcsco.ca or email fundraising@rmhcsco.ca.
