At Ronald McDonald House Charities® Alberta, we welcome all families regardless of their financial situation or their child’s medical need. To stay at the House, a hospital referral is required. Out-of-town families can stay with us for as many days, weeks, or months are needed. Our Houses in Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer provide a warm, comfortable, and compassionate environment where families can share experiences and shore up strength while their child receives treatment at a nearby hospital.
Eligibility
To be eligible to stay at our Houses, you must:
- Have a child (age 18 or under) receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital or have a high-risk pregnancy.
- Live outside of Calgary city limits to stay in our Calgary House.
- Live outside of Edmonton city limits to stay in our Edmonton House.
- Live outside of Medicine Hat city limits to stay in our Medicine Hat House.
- Live outside of Red Deer city limits to stay in our Red Deer House.
Returning Families
If you have previously stayed at one of our Houses, you do not require a hospital referral if your referral is less than one year old. You may contact the House directly to arrange your stay. If it has been more than one year, or if your child is receiving treatment for a different medical condition, a new referral is required.
Nightly Fee
All families are asked to pay a nightly fee. If this is not possible, no family will be turned away due to financial circumstances.
Alternative Arrangements
If the House is at capacity when your referral is received, we will work with you to support you through our Day Use program and other resources (including hotel partners) while you are placed on the wait list.
Illness
Please note that anyone suffering from, or who has recently been exposed to, a communicable illness (including cold, flu, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash or lesions, or stiff neck) will not be admitted to our Houses in order to minimize any risk to children with weakened immune systems. In such cases, if alternative arrangements need to be made, we will do our best to assist you.
COVID-19
Caring for families with sick children in a safe and supportive environment has always been our top priority at Ronald McDonald House Charities. Each House has had specific rules in place throughout the pandemic that are designed and implemented to ensure the highest levels of safety and health for all families, staff, and volunteers within our communal living environment. Given the vulnerable populations we serve, it is imperative that a Ronald McDonald House take every precaution to limit the spread of COVID-19 within our facilities. We continue to be guided by local health authorities and hospital partners in this regard.
Should you have any questions please be in touch.
Request your stay at the location nearest you.