Today Ronald McDonald House Ottawa celebrates the official Grand Opening of its newly expanded House, more than doubling its capacity to support families with critically ill or injured children. The expansion gives the House an increase from 14 to 36 suites, eliminates the waitlist, and will allow more than 1,300 families each year to stay close to their child's bedside during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
"This expansion represents so much more than additional rooms," said Christine Hardy, Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Ottawa. "It means more families won’t worry about added expenses while caring for their child, staying close to their child's care team, while receiving comfort, support and a sense of home when they need it most."
The expansion responds directly to growing demand from families across the region and reflects the evolving needs of the families it serves. New and enhanced spaces include larger communal kitchens, more family rooms, increased accessibility standards and the designation of Rick Hansen Gold certification, thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide range of family needs.
Through the Government of Canada's Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, the project received a federal investment of $9.37-million, which supported the House being built to LEED Gold environmental standards.
“The Government of Canada is proud to have supported the expansion of Ronald McDonald House, helping more families stay together while reducing the financial burden on families seeking care for a loved one” said the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Ottawa South.
For more than four decades, Ronald McDonald House Ottawa has provided a home away from home for families who must travel to access specialized pediatric healthcare. Families supported by the House travel an average of 525 kilometres – more than five hours – to reach care, coming primarily from communities across Eastern Ontario, Quebec and Nunavut.
For families like the Lacelle’s, Ronald McDonald House Ottawa has provided much more than a place to stay.
"When my daughter Fiona and I first walked in, I couldn't help but cry seeing parents cooking and chatting together, families enjoying a meal with other families, and kids of all ages playing together nearby. It was the feeling of normalcy we needed during her cancer battle."
— Hannah, mom to Fiona, and Ronald McDonald House Ottawa parent
The expansion was made possible through the generosity of donors, volunteers, community partners, corporate supporters and government leaders who share a vision of ensuring families can remain together while their child receives life-saving care.
"Every suite, every meal, every moment of support found within these walls is possible because our community believes families are stronger together," said Hardy. "This House stands as a testament to what can happen when a community comes together to care for children and families."
Today, Ronald McDonald House Ottawa serves families from more than 230 communities and remains committed to providing comfort, connection and care when families need it most.
About Ronald McDonald House Ottawa
Ronald McDonald House Ottawa provides a home away from home for families with critically ill or injured children who are receiving treatment in Ottawa. Through accommodation, meals, programs and emotional support, the House helps families stay together and close to the care their child needs. Serving families from across Eastern Ontario, Quebec, Nunavut and beyond, Ronald McDonald House Ottawa supports both overnight guests and local families through its House and two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in-hospital at CHEO.