At Willowbrae Academy we believe in giving back to our communities and realize the importance of teaching young children the joy of giving. What better way to achieve this then partnering up with Ronald McDonald House Charities. This nonprofit organization finds, creates, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Seventy percent of Canadian families live outside of cities where children’s hospitals are located, often forcing them to travel long distances to receive the needed care and treatment for their sick child. Ronald McDonald Houses are the cornerstone of Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada (RMHC); they offer those families who don’t live near a children’s hospital, a warm and compassionate place to stay, while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital. By supporting this incredible organization, we are helping families with sick children find the comfort and support they need during a difficult time in their lives.
Each Academy will host two yearly events to help raise funds for their respective Ronald McDonald House Charity. Families, friends and staff of Willowbrae can also donate at any time throughout the year by visiting the online fundraising site associated with the Academy. By participating in these fundraisers, we are able to give back to communities that support us, help children and families in need, and in turn, expose the Willowbrae family brand in a positive way.
What: Students and staff will participate in a "PJ Walk" around their Academy location, where they will go for a walk in their PJ’s and collect donations for the Ronald McDonald House.
What: Willowbrae Academy will have muffins and/or pancakes made and families can partake in the "Breakfast" when they drop their children off in the morning and leave a donation.
There are currently 15 Ronald McDonald Houses coast-to-coast which provide families of sick children with a home to stay at while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital. Complete with bedrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, the Houses are an oasis of support for families during difficult times.
Approximately 51% of families with critically ill children across Canada are hosted at the Ronald McDonald Houses. That’s more than 10,000 families every year, however there are still many families who are turned away every day due to lack of space. Some Houses report turn-away rates as high as 70%. Our long-term goal is to ensure 100% of families with critically ill children have a place to call home. By fundraising, donating or getting involved, we are helping to reach that goal.
Sixteen Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in Canadian hospitals provide a comfortable place for families to rest and recharge, right inside the hospital, often steps away from a pediatric or intensive care unit. Research shows that staying close by allows parents to better communicate with their child’s medical team and improves adherence to complicated treatment plans. Families will often find a kitchen area that includes a stove or microwave, shower and laundry facilities, sleeping rooms and more.
Two Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles (mobile health units) help provide basic medical care to underserved communities in Alberta. By providing cost-effective, high-quality, medical, dental and health education services, this vehicle literally opens the door to health care for thousands of children and their families. All Ronald McDonald Care Mobile services are provided in a 40-foot long, 8-foot wide, state-of-the-art vehicle built specifically for delivering pediatric health care services.
505 families stay at a Ronald McDonald House or Ronald McDonald Family Room across Canada every night.
There are 15 Ronald McDonald Houses & 16 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and 2 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles across Canada.
Over 30,000 families from 1,800 communities across Canada are supported by RMHC programs.
6,000 caring volunteers and 283 dedicated staff bring Ronald McDonald Houses to life every day for families.
Together we can provide sick children with what they need most - their families. Your donations help keep children close to their families and to the care they need to heal. A little can change a lot and your donations matter, by keeping families together during a child’s illness. It's individual donors like you who make it possible. No matter the amount, the cumulative impact of the gifts you give – whether monetary, in kind, or volunteer hours – is profound. Your support is greatly appreciated, thank you!