RMHC Alberta is pleased to announce that its brand new six-bedroom facility, located just 200 steps from the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, has begun to serve families in Medicine Hat.
“RMHC Canada is delighted to celebrate the opening of Ronald McDonald House Medicine Hat – the 16th Ronald McDonald House in Canada, and the fourth across Alberta”, says Kate Horton, Executive Director, RMHC Canada. “Today, RMHC Canada supports over 25,000 families with sick children each year. The opening of the Medicine Hat House brings a new, essential service to this community, and will ensure that even more families have a caring and comforting place to stay together during their child’s medical journey, when they need it most.”
With a generous pledge of $800,000 made by Bill & Elizabeth Yuill and the Yuill Family Foundation to cover construction costs, momentum built quickly within the community of Medicine Hat.
“The community support for this project has been overwhelming since construction began,” says Bill Yuill, Chair of the Yuill Family Foundation, “which is an affirmation of the need for this investment in the community of Medicine Hat and a reflection of the strength of the families who make up Southern Alberta.”
“It is such an honour to have the Ronald McDonald House here in our community,” says Carly Pancotto, McDonald’s Owner/Operator. “McDonald’s is known for being there for families, and our values align with those of the Ronald McDonald House. We can’t wait to be able to support the families of RMHC Alberta in Medicine Hat.”
Construction of the House began in April 2019, after a feasibility study determined the facility would operate at about 85% capacity year-round, translating to approximately 2,190 nights of comfort for families in need.
“Whether we’re providing overnight accommodation to out-of-town families, or enabling day use of our facilities and programs for locals, we are looking forward to serving even more families from the Palliser Triangle,” says Jason Evanson, CEO of RMHC Alberta.
While officially open, due to strict COVID-19 protocols, the Ronald McDonald House in Medicine Hat is following a four-phase family intake process to ensure a safe and gradual build-up to full occupancy in the House. With Phase 1 now complete, RMHC Alberta will continue to work with hospital partners to reach full operational status in Medicine Hat, and looks forward to welcoming volunteers in the near future.
Please view the full media release here.