For 40 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities® Alberta has been a home-away-from-home for families with sick or injured children, providing comfort, support, and a sense of community during their most challenging times. Inspired by the vision of Dr. Audrey Evans, a pioneering pediatric oncologist who co-founded the first Ronald McDonald House in 1974, RMHC Alberta opened its first Houses in Calgary and Edmonton in 1985. Since then, we have grown to serve families across the province with additional Houses in Red Deer and Medicine Hat. These Houses ensure families can stay close to their children receiving vital medical care.
This page is dedicated to sharing and preserving our rich history, highlighting the milestones, stories, and impact of RMHC Alberta over the years.
Key Milestones:
1985 – First Houses Opened in Calgary and Edmonton
In December 1983, Ken Solomon, who had lost a daughter to leukemia, announced that Edmontonians would build a 16-bedroom House for the families of sick children receiving treatment. McDonald’s® pledged $250,000, and the community rallied to raise the rest. By summer 1984, a dedicated group of volunteers, including members of the Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Eskimos, broke ground on 107th Street. The Edmonton House officially opened on August 15, 1985.
At the same time, RMHC Alberta opened its first Calgary House in the Killarney neighbourhood. Over two decades, it provided accommodations for nearly 18,000 people before relocating to its current location in March 2007.
2007 – Calgary House Expansion
To meet increasing demand, RMHC Alberta built a new Calgary House across from the Alberta Children’s Hospital. The new facility expanded its ability to support families and offered 27 private family suites.
2009 – Edmonton House Expansion
Similarly, in 2009, the Edmonton House expanded its facilities to better serve the growing number of families seeking support. This expansion reinforced RMHC Alberta’s commitment to providing essential services to families across the province.
2012 – Red Deer House Opened
In the same year, RMHC Alberta extended its reach by opening a new House in Red Deer. This addition aimed to support families in central Alberta, reducing the distance they needed to travel to stay close to their hospitalized children. The Red Deer House has built an incredible Day Pass program, which has the highest usage in Canada.
2012 – Launch of Canada’s First Ronald McDonald Care Mobile™
In 2012, RMHC Alberta introduced Canada’s first (and only) Ronald McDonald Care Mobile™, a state-of-the-art medical office on wheels. This initiative, in partnership with Mosaic Primary Care Network, provides free medical, dental, and health education services to underserved families in east Calgary. In 2018 alone, the program facilitated 4,256 patient visits and 201 days of programming.
2012 & 2014 – Expansion into Grande Prairie & Cold Lake
Recognizing the need for ongoing support beyond the Houses, RMHC Alberta opened regional offices in Grande Prairie (2012) and Cold Lake (2014). These locations provide emotional and financial support for families transitioning home after their child’s treatment. Programs like Connect Back ensure families remain connected to crucial services and a supportive community, helping them cope with the long-term emotional impact of a child’s illness or injury.
2020 – Medicine Hat House Opened
In 2020, RMHC Alberta proudly opened its fourth Ronald McDonald House in Medicine Hat. This six-bedroom facility is located directly across from the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital’s main entrance, providing families with easy access to medical care. This project was made possible through a partnership with the Yuill Family Foundation and serves families across southeastern Alberta.
2021 – Launch of the Comfort Cart Program
RMHC Alberta introduced the Comfort Cart program in 2021, bringing snacks, beverages, reading materials, and hygiene products to families with children in hospitals. First launched at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, the program has since expanded to other locations, ensuring families receive extra comfort and care during hospital stays.
2023 – Launch of “The Big Build” Expansion Project
With a growing need for accommodations, RMHC Alberta launched “The Big Build” in 2023. This initiative will significantly increase capacity at the Calgary and Edmonton Houses, ensuring more families can stay close to their children.
2025 – Grand Opening of the Expanded Calgary House
On May 22, 2025, the Ronald McDonald House in Calgary officially opened its expanded facility, marking a significant milestone in the 40-year history of RMHC Alberta. Originally opened in a different location in 1985, the Calgary House has supported tens of thousands of families who travel for vital pediatric care. Previously offering 27 private family suites, the House now boasts 91 suites, making it the seventh largest Ronald McDonald House in the world at the time of opening.
This expansion was driven by overwhelming demand—RMHC Alberta was previously only able to meet 14% of the need for accommodations, according to a study conducted in partnership with the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
The grand opening celebration welcomed many special guests, including original volunteers, board members, and families. Among them was Lanny McDonald, former captain of the Calgary Flames and Honourary Co-Chair of The Big Build campaign, who has been a champion for the organization since its early days.
The new facility includes enhanced features such as a commercial kitchen, family play areas, and a fully accessible outdoor playground. Jason Evanson, CEO of RMHC Alberta, proudly shared during the ceremony that the expansion was completed “on time and under budget.”