Ronald McDonald House of London

Description

Who We Are
Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario will be part of a network of love that started 35 years ago in Philadelphia Pennsylvania in the United States and which now encircles the globe Ronald McDonald House a worldrecognized brand name synonymous with caring and compassion is the cornerstone of Ronald McDonald House Charitiesreg RMHC Each night more than 11000 families are accommodated in one of the almost 300 Ronald McDonald Houses in this network

Ronald McDonald House is the cornerstone of Ronald McDonald House Charities RMHC Each Ronald McDonald House provides a homeawayfromhome for families of seriously ill children who are being treated at nearby childrens hospitals It is a place where families can be together and kids can share experiences with others who are just like them

There are 12 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada Each one is independently owned and operated by a notforprofit organization In addition to the support from RMHC Canada RMHC Global and McDonaldsreg they rely on support from many donors in their communities to make this House that Love Built a reality

Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario is managed by a dedicated professional staff that while small in number are large in heart It is also supported by a full complement of hardworking volunteers and led by a committed Board of Directors

Mission
To provide a welcome supportive and secure environment to outoftown families of seriously ill or injured children who are in London receiving medical treatment for their child

Vision
As a Home Away From Home we strive to provide comfort and support to families who are impacted by the serious illness or injury of their child

History

History
How did Ronald McDonald House Start

When Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hills 3yearold 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 Kims 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 couldnt 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 Childrens 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 McDonalds advertising agency who with the support of McDonalds Regional Manager Ed Rensi launched the St Patricks 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 In 2010 the 300th Ronald McDonald House was opened