Ottawa, Ontario (August 10, 2023) – Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa (RMHCO) is proud to announce it will be breaking ground on its expansion project, addressing the growing needs of families seeking a home-away-from-home while their child receives vital medical care. The new development will add an additional 22 suites to the existing 14, significantly increasing the organization’s capacity.
The Ottawa House will remain in its current location, only 167 steps from CHEO. The expanded House will be net zero carbon, LEED gold and Rick Hansen Foundation gold-certified, ensuring an inclusive and sustainable space that caters to the diverse needs of all families.
RMHCO provides invaluable services to families travelling from more than 200 communities each year, including Cornwall, Pembroke, Timmins, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Nunavut. RMHCO also offers two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms within CHEO, offering comfort to both local and traveling families spending long days in hospital.
Construction begins this month and will be completed by fall of 2024. The project is being funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, founding and forever partner McDonald’s Canada and local franchisees, and generous donors in our community.
Quotes:
“Having a child in the hospital is one the most stressful times in a parent’s life – and having access to the right supports at the right time can make all the difference. As we mark the start of construction at RMHCO’s new facility in Ottawa, we can look forward to the completion of a space that will have a positive impact in the lives of hundreds of children seeking care at CHEO.”
“Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa plays an essential role in supporting families as they access medical treatment for their children. The start of construction on a new, sustainable home for families at CHEO builds dreams, resilience, and hope. This facility will help many families during very difficult times; I look forward to celebrating its completion.”
“For nearly 40 years, our House has been a lifeline supporting families during some of the most challenging times of their lives. This expansion will drastically increase our capacity, helping us more than double the number of families we help each year, ensuring that no family is turned away during a time of crisis.”
About Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa:
Since 1984, RMHC Ottawa has been a home-away-from-home for families whose children are undergoing treatment at CHEO. Our mission is to keep families close, providing a warm, safe, affordable place to stay while their child receives care at the hospital. There are currently 14 suites within the House, and 2 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms that we operate in-hospital. In 2023, construction began to expand to 36 suites.
