Provincial Government Supports Ronald McDonald House

In support of the campaign to build a Ronald McDonald House in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government will complete the necessary construction work to extend sanitary sewer services to the future site of the building.

"We are proud to be able to make a significant contribution to this worthwhile and needed community resource," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. "Our contribution is coming in the form of infrastructure that is necessary for the operation of this facility."

A tender for this work has been called and is expected to be awarded before the end of June 2010. The work is expected to be completed this summer.

"Support for Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador has been phenomenal from the outset," said Gerry Beresford, Chair of the Board of Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador. "In a meeting last fall, our board asked the Provincial Government if it would commit to construct the necessary sanitary sewer line to the future site of our house and we are so pleased that government has agreed to undertake this project. The calling of this tender represents a major step as we move forward to develop this much-needed facility that will benefit children and families from all across Newfoundland and Labrador."

Ronald McDonald House will offer a home-away-from-home for families from across Newfoundland and Labrador, providing comfortable and affordable accommodations while their children receive care and treatment at the Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre. The house is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.

"Our government recognizes the tremendous value of this cause to Newfoundland and Labrador children and families needing to travel to St. John's for specialized pediatric health care," said Minister Hedderson. "We certainly look forward to the completion of this tremendous facility that will benefit people from all over the province."

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2010 05 20                                                  11:15 a.m.