Ronald McDonald House is excited to announce ARC Resources Ltd. (“ARC” or “ARC Resources”) has made a $1.25 million donation to the expansion project at Ronald McDonald’s Calgary House. With operations in Calgary, Grande Prairie and Dawson Creek, ARC is currently the largest donor being recognized in the Energy Wing of the expanded Calgary facility.
“ARC Resources has made a significant impact to the expansion of the Ronald McDonald House. Their recognition of the essential service provided to families reflects their values and commitment to the communities in which they operate,” says Denise Kinghorn, Chief Development Officer of RMHC Alberta. “In 2023, we served families from over 200 communities around the province, and over 50 communities from outside of Alberta, including Dawson Creek.
When the expanded House opens in 2025, families who would have previously been turned away due to lack of space, will have a home-away-from-home when their child is sick.”
The Ronald McDonald House in Calgary has a waiting list of dozens of families every single night. Families requiring vital pediatric care are often subject to significant challenges when they do not have nearby accommodation and support when their child is in hospital.
“When a child is sick, no family should have to worry about the extra burdens that come with seeking medical care away from home,” said Terry Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer, ARC Resources Ltd. “RMHC’s expansion will help keep more families together in these stressful times, so they can focus on what matters most, the health of their child. It’s a cause that hits close to home for ARC and our employees, and an initiative that we know will make such a difference for Alberta families.”
On March 26, ARC visited the Calgary House to celebrate its 20-year partnership and make the announcement. Employees also had the opportunity to see their commitment in action as construction continues to ramp-up on the much-needed expanded facility.
Ashtyn Bruvold has stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton, and more recently was transferred to Calgary for her son’s medical treatments. She says, “My son has been through a lot and he doesn’t look forward to medical appointments…but the Ronald McDonald House is his favourite place.” Ashtyn and her family were part of the exciting announcement on Tuesday morning, sharing their story and supporting the efforts to create more family suites for more families.
Construction of the expanded facility will move the family suite count from 27 family suites to 91 family suites, enabling more families than ever before the opportunity to stay close their sick child without the additional financial and emotional burdens of seeking alternative accommodation.
In addition to the expanded family suites, the new facility will expand the kitchen area, common spaces, and programming spaces to support the many needs of families traveling for pediatric care. To see renderings and construction updates of the Ronald McDonald House in Calgary, please visit www.rmhcalbertabuild.org
