Website: www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.ca

Ronald McDonald House - the house that love built - is a safe and secure home away from home for families of critically-ill babies and children who are receiving care at area hospitals.  The house provides an economical refuge for families during the most stressful time in their lives.  Since these children need the support of their parents the Ronald McDonald House provides a secure and stable environment for families during this stressful time.

Families traveling some distances to obtain medical treatment often have their problems compounded: expensive hotel or motel accommodations, or sleeping in hospital waiting rooms or a corridor, siblings upset at abnormal situations. Comfortable, bright bedrooms with attached full baths, kitchens and dining room privileges, living rooms, games room, library and play rooms let the families lead as normal lives as possible under the circumstances. Parents can share their concerns and worries with other parents in similar circumstances who can best understand the emotional strain and pressures they must endure. As well, an understanding and sympathetic staff is present to offer a listening ear, in effect taking the place of friends and family who would ordinarily give support at such times.

A Ronald McDonald House is totally dependent on public donations; funds are not received from any agency or government body. A very hard working fundraising committee is responsible for raising funds for operating costs as well as any capital costs that might occur. As an example, operating costs for the London Ronald McDonald House amount to $300,000 annually; these costs are strictly analyzed and controlled.