Premier Celebrates Opening of Ronald McDonald House

Thanks to the ongoing contributions of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians the 14th Ronald McDonald House in Canada was officially opened today in St. John’s. The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, joined the Board of Directors of Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador, staff, donors, volunteers and families to help celebrate the occasion.

“This beautiful new facility represents many things to many people,” said Premier Dunderdale. “It represents several years of hard work, countless hours of fundraising and volunteering and it represents millions of dollars in donations. However we all know that Ronald McDonald House is more than a building, it is a home for those who cannot be home, it is a place of comfort for those who need comforting and it is a place for families, when family is what you need the most.”

The Provincial Government provided almost $765,000 towards the construction of Ronald McDonald House. This funding was used to extend sanitary sewer services to the site. It was also used for a number of environmentally-friendly options that have been incorporated into the construction of the facility, including increased wall and roof insulation, rainwater collection system, bike storage areas, energy-efficient lights and occupancy sensors, and the use of sustainable materials such as wood siding.

“I am so proud of our province and the way we have come together to see this much needed facility completed,” said Premier Dunderdale. “When faced with the challenge of a sick child, we all need such a place. There are many families who will benefit from the services offered at Ronald McDonald House. Congratulations to the Board of Directors, the Capital Campaign Gift Team, the various committees, donors and the many volunteers who have helped see Ronald McDonald House come to fruition. This day is a tribute to those efforts and to the spirit of community engendered by your work.”

The $6.5 million capital campaign goal to build Ronald McDonald House was reached in June 2011. It is expected that 500 families throughout the province will benefit from the services provided at Ronald McDonald House each year. The building is located within a short distance of the Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre and is specifically designed to provide a home environment for sick children, their siblings and their parents.

Each Ronald McDonald House is independently operated by a charitable organization. While each Ronald McDonald House receives financial and in-kind support from Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada, McDonald’s and McDonald’s suppliers, it is ultimately a community house. Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador will rely on support from individual donors, businesses, foundations and annual fundraising activities to ensure the programs and services are offered to families each year.

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2012 09 27             5:30 p.m.