Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House Charities® South Central Ontario 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. Today, there are 16 Houses across Canada, that provide a place to stay for tens of thousands of Canadian families each year, and accommodate families every night.
The Ronald McDonald House division of Smiling Over Sickness was established back in 2010, and is made up of 12 student volunteers dedicated not only to providing enjoyable activities for the children staying at McMaster Children's Hospital and their families, but who also help to maintain the quality and safety of the Ronald McDonald House facilities. We are beyond excited to transition back into in-person volunteering this year! When in person, our volunteering program at the Ronald McDonald House comprises three main activities: Toy Cleaning, Pizza/Movie Nights, and Special Events. Volunteers are expected to take part in all of the three activities, and must attend at least two 2-hour shifts a month, our biweekly 1 hour team meetings, as well as help with the special events when applicable. If you are interested in keeping up to date with our latest initiatives, be sure to follow us on our Instagram page.
The Ronald McDonald House division of Smiling Over Sickness is a group of 12 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.
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.
Pizza Nights
Every Saturday, our volunteers come into the Ronald McDonald House and help in the kitchen by serving lunch to the guests making their way in and out of the facility. Families have the choice of sitting in the dining room to eat, but are also able to take their meals to-go if they want to eat their meal with their children at the hospital.
Monthly Special Events
Volunteers also run and host special events periodically throughout the school year as well, be it at the Ronald McDonald House, or the Family Room at McMaster Children's Hospital.
One of our largest events is Bistro Night which is designed to provide the families staying at RMH with the opportunity to receive a restaurant experience close to the hospital. Like at Pizza Nights, families have the choice of sitting in the dining room to eat, but are also able to take their meals to-go if they want to eat their meal with their children at the hospital.
