Summer 2023

Let the Expansion Begin!

On Thursday August 10, we held a ceremony to officially break ground on our expansion to 36 suites.

We had several guest speakers, including the Honourable MP David McGuinty, MPP Nolan Quinn Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, the Mayor of Ottawa Mark Sutcliffe, and the CEO of McDonald's Canada Michèle Boudria, We were joined by government officials, McDonald's Owner Operators, donors to the project, our Board and invited guests.

Kalix Leveille, 6 years old, joined us alongside his family who continue to need and use our House. They were our guest family who, thanks to our incredible project team, were able to help take the first true dig of earth to get the project going.

We still need your help. The cost of construction has risen significantly in the last 2 years, and so has the cost of this important project. Please consider making a donation to help us complete our expansion. Visit rmhottawa.com or call Cynthia Little at 613-737-5523.

You will be able to follow along and watch our progress on the expansion by clicking here to visit rmhottawa.com/OurNewHouse

With school days and fall just around the corner, I hope our summer newsletter finds you well!

Christine Hardy

CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa

Meet Ryann

Ryann Collins is one of our awesome teenage guests (who also happens to be one of Canada's biggest Taylor Swift fans!). Her love for the singer is matched by the love her friends & family have for Ryann; they have transformed her time here into moments of magic when her family needs it most.

Her diagnosis of Leukemia this spring meant that she would miss attending her high school graduation and prom in typical form. But the Collins family know how to make moments count! Ryann's friends donned their fabulous prom attire and met her in a park near our House for a magical afternoon. A few weeks later, her dad Mike attended her grad for her, live-streaming the entire ceremony from his phone, accepting her awards on stage, graduation gown in hand!

The Collins family has been with us for 102 nights (including her 18th birthday). Ryann has just completed her 3rd round of chemotherapy, and will be heading to Toronto soon in time for the next phase in her treatment, a stem cell transplant.

Pictured here: Ryann, Mike and Deb meet Ontario Premier Doug Ford at RMHC Ottawa in July.

We know our colleagues at RMHC Toronto will greet them with open arms!

We have a very limited number of sponsorship and foursome spots left, you can send us an email or visit us online to secure this opportunity to come together for families staying at RMHC Ottawa.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

That's A Wrap!

RADIOTHON

On June 22nd, Corus Radio generously donated their airtime to our House - all day long - on both Jump 106.9 fm and boom 99.7 fm Thank you Corus!

You might have heard the heartfelt stories from past families on how being here helped them get through, or the current parents just starting out and settling in. We were honoured to be joined by Family Resource Worker, Anik Welsh, from CHEO, explaining how her team connects parents to our resources and being able to stay at the House. Ottawa Therapy Dogs, Julie & her pup Isaac shared what it means to be here to support the families that benefit from our therapy programs.

And House Manager Carol Harper shared the wonderful meal program we offer that gives guests a homecooked meal at the end of a long day in hospital.

Radiothon touched so many listeners making it an incredible fundraiser for the House, with an astounding $64,750.00 raised!

We already can't wait until next year.

The Difference Makers

Here's to the teams who are coming in to prepare monthly homemade meals for the families!

TD Group

Kinaxis

"The French Ladies"

Barb & Kathryn

Interested in volunteering with our meal program? We bring in corporate groups, families and individuals. Send Carol at note at [email protected]

We are always looking for volunteers, wishlist items, and community support! Reply here or find us on social.

Help us make room for everyone. Every donation helps us eliminate our waitlist. We still need some help getting to the finish line of the expansion. Thank you for your contribution to this project!

407 Smyth Road | (613) 737-5523

www.rmhottawa.com