Facts at a Glance
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
Affiliated hospitals: Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa Hospital
Opened: 1984 with 14 bedrooms
Number of families helped each year: 500
Number of families on a waiting list per year: 120
Ronald McDonald House Ottawa is located on the grounds of Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. This short walking distance means families are always close to a warm welcome and soft bed after a hard day at the hospital.
A resident manager, along with five other staff members and 30 volunteers ensure the House always feels like a home and families have the support they need, along with the compassion they deserve. Volunteers offer a number of programs for kids – the Teddy Bear Program being one, which puts a “welcome Teddy” in each one of the rooms as a gift. For adults, they organize yoga, meditation and massage time.
Since opening its doors, it has been a home away from home for more 13,000 families. And while the operating cost for each family is $75 a night, families are only asked to contribute $10 each night they stay. Because the House is full every night, about 120 families are on the waiting list. Some get in within a few days, but the House has a special fund to help cover hotel accommodations for those they can’t serve.
Want to help this House with its wish list? See it on their site.
407 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8M8
www.rmhottawa.com
Phone: 613-737-5523