Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada is a non-profit organization that provides a home away from home for families of seriously ill children who are staying at a nearby partnering hospital. The Houses allow for peace and calm away from the pressures of the hospital, while still letting families be just steps away from their children. Dedicated and trained volunteers help take care of the day-to-day essentials of running a home and provide education, support, and a sense of community for families. This allows families to focus on healing during this very difficult time in their lives. Today, there are 14 Houses across Canada that provide a place to stay for 10,000 Canadian families each year and accommodate 465 families every night.
The Ronald McDonald House division of Smiling Over Sickness is a group of 15 volunteers dedicated not only to providing enjoyable activities for the children staying at McMaster Children's Hospital, but who also help to maintain the quality and safety of the Ronald McDonald House facilities. Our volunteering program at Ronald McDonald House comprises of three main activities: toy cleaning, Saturday special events, and monthly special events. Volunteers are expected to take part in all of the three activities, and must attend at least 6 two-hour shifts per term.
The Ronald McDonald House division of Smiling Over Sickness is a group of 15 volunteers dedicated not only to providing enjoyable activities for the children staying at McMaster Children's Hospital, but who also help to maintain the quality and safety of the Ronald McDonald House facilities. Our volunteering program at Ronald McDonald House comprises of three main activities: toy cleaning, Saturday special events, and monthly special events. Volunteers are expected to take part in all of the three activities, and must attend at least 6 two-hour shifts per term.
Toy Cleaning
Volunteers participate in toy cleaning shifts within the Ronald McDonald House toy room to reduce the spread of germs and ensure that the facility is as clean and safe for children as possible.
Saturday Shifts
Every Saturday, our volunteers collaborate together to provide fun activities for the children and their families. Some of our Saturday activities include cartoon Saturdays, spa days, and interactive board game days!
Monthly Special Events
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Every month, volunteers run a special event at Ronald McDonald House Family Room, where children and families staying at the House can participate in fun-filled activities created just for them. Some of our special events in the past have included Bistro Night, Valentines Day Activities, and Pumpkin Painting Day.
Bistro Night is our last RMH event of the academic year. This is an event designed to provide the families staying at RMH with the opportunity to receive a restaurant experience close to the hospital. Parents have the choice of sitting in the dining room to eat and are also able to take their meals to-go if they wanted to eat their meal with their children at the hospital. |
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Get Involved!
See Get Involved to find out about how you can become a Ronald McDonald House volunteer.
We also encourage you to visit the Ronald McDonald House Canada and Ronald McDonald House Hamilton websites to find out more about the amazing work they do.
We also encourage you to visit the Ronald McDonald House Canada and Ronald McDonald House Hamilton websites to find out more about the amazing work they do.