There is an urgent need to ensure that families with an ill or injured have an option that’s reliable, supportive, and most of all, near the medical care and resources their child needs.
Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador is a critical resource for thousands of families with an ill or injured child.
For parents with an ill or injured child, life can be very difficult. Their situation leaves them emotionally drained, anxious and financially stressed.
For the 46% of families in Newfoundland and Labrador who live far from the children’s hospital, there’s an added stress: distance.
Families often have to travel hundreds of kilometres for treatment and, on top of that, many face a healing journey that can take months or possibly years. It costs $289.00 per night to accommodate a family. Families are invited to make a suggested contribution of $15.00 per night—or any amount they are able—to help support the House for future families. Contributions are optional, and no eligible family will ever be denied accommodations or future stays because they are unable to contribute. Those who cannot pay are never turned away; last year, this was the case for 26% of families that visited us. If it wasn’t for our Ronald McDonald House, they’d face costs of up to $521/day for accommodations and meals elsewhere. This is incredibly stressful and, for many families, it may be financially debilitating. Families do not need extra stress.
Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need health care
A world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.
A world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.
Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador is part of large network of love that started October 15, 1974 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States and which now encircles the globe. Ronald McDonald House, a world-recognized brand name synonymous with caring and compassion, is the cornerstone of Ronald McDonald House.
Each Ronald McDonald House provides a home for families of ill or injured children who are being treated at nearby children’s hospitals. It is a place where families can be together and kids can share experiences with others who are just like them.
There are 365 Ronald McDonald Houses in 53 countries with 16 across Canada. Each one is independently owned and operated by a not-for-profit organization. In addition to the support from Ronald McDonald House and McDonald’s®, we rely on support from many donors in their communities to make The House that Love Built a reality.
Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador is managed by a dedicated professional staff that, while small in number, are large in heart. It is supported by a full complement of hardworking volunteers led by a committed Board of Directors.
Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador is located in St. John’s, NL and we respectfully acknowledge the territory in which we gather as part of the ancestral homelands of the Beothuk, the island of Newfoundland as the homeland of the Mi’kmaq, and Labrador as the homeland of the Innu of Nitassinan, the Inuit of Nunatsiavut and the Inuit of NunatuKavut.
At Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador, every act of support helps families stay close when it matters most.
When you get involved, families everywhere benefit.
When Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hill’s 3-year-old daughter, Kim, was being treated for leukemia in 1974, his life changed.
He and his wife, Fran, camped out on hospital benches and sat in cramped waiting rooms during Kim’s three years of treatment. They watched other parents and families of seriously ill children do the same thing. Many of the families had to travel long distances for their children to receive medical treatment and couldn’t afford hotel rooms.
The Hills knew there had to be a solution. Fred rallied the support of his teammates to raise funds. Through Jim Murray, the Eagles’ general manager, the team offered its support to Dr. Audrey Evans, head of the pediatric oncology unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Evans dreamed of a comfortable temporary residence for families of children being treated at her hospital.
Jim enlisted Don Tuckerman from the local McDonald’s advertising agency who, with the support of McDonald’s Regional Manager Ed Rensi, launched the St. Patrick’s Day Green Milkshake (dubbed the Shamrock Shake) promotion. Funds raised helped buy an old house located near the hospital, which was opened in 1974 as the first Ronald McDonald House. The network of Houses quickly grew after that.
The First Canadian Ronald McDonald House opened in Toronto
In 2008 a feasibility study in Newfoundland and Labrador concluded that more than 115,000 patients received healthcare services at the Janeway in 2007, with one in five traveling more than 80 kilometers to receive care. This confirmed the fact that there is an urgent need for a Ronald McDonald House in St. John’s to support ill and injured children and their families from rural Newfoundland and Labrador who travel to the Janeway for medical care.
A Board of Directors was formed and Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador established itself as a registered charity.
A capital campaign was launched with a goal of $6.5M dollars to cover the costs of the development and construction of a House in St. John’s, NL, near the Janeway Children’s Hospital, furnishings, and capital campaign.
A ground breaking event took place in June 2011 to celebrate reaching the capital campaign goal.
In August 2011, construction began.
In late August 2012, staff and volunteers took possession of the House to begin the task of provisioning each room.
On September 7, 2012, Ronald McDonald House welcomed the first family.
The Kendall Family
11 year old Steven Kendall of Corner Brook
“Ronald McDonald House” has truly been our home away from home. The staff and volunteers are amazing, caring people who welcome us back time after time!”
On September 27th 2012, the Board of Directors and staff of Ronald McDonald House were joined by nearly 600 supporters, volunteers, families and invited guests for the grand opening of Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador. Canada’s 14th house is located at 150 Clinch Crescent in St. John’s.
Guests enjoyed the talents of the Crescent Collegiate Vocal Ensemble of Blaketown Trinity Bay, and their director Mr. Robert Colbourne. Special guests included Premier Kathy Dunderdale, The Ciaccarelli Family of Chicago IL, Jackie Meara, the Senior Manager of Field Relations, Canada and Eastern United States with Ronald McDonald House Charities Global, Eleanor Swansonthe Vice-Chair of the Board of Regents with Memorial University, Richard Ellis, the Chairperson of Ronald McDonald House Canada & Senior Vice President Communications & Public Affairs with McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, Cathy Loblaw, the President and CEO, Ronald McDonald House Canada, and of course, Ronald McDonald.
Sean McCann of Great Big Sea also attended and performed his song “Lullaby” which was used early at the start of the capital campaign in a commercial for Ronald McDonald House. Sean also performed “Stand by Me” as a tribute to Ronald McDonald House Board Member and friend, the late Dr. Jack Hand. At the conclusion of the event, surrounded by families, Premier Dunderdale and Ronald McDonald cut the big red ribbon on the front doors and officially opened the House. Guests were then given the opportunity to see for themselves the House that Love Built.
It’s time to OPEN Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador!!!
