What we do
Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa provides families a home away from home when their child is diagnosed with a sudden illness or will be receiving any kind of medical care at the hospital. Our doors are open to all families who live too far from the hospital to commute.
We currently have 14 suites where we provide families with a shower and bathroom, we have a Home for Dinner program where volunteers prepare fresh meals, we offer a large kitchen, family gathering spaces, laundry, fresh coffee, a beautiful, serene backyard, weekly pet therapy, and all for the suggested cost to families of $10 per night (though our actual operating cost per night is $150).
The House operates at full capacity with a long wait-list. In response, we are expanding to 36 suites. We have $765,000 left to raise before crossing the finish line, having overcome increasing construction costs since our intial target was set in 2019.
How you can help
Donate
When your child is ill, everything stops. Your donation will give families a place to stay and peace of mind to avoid bankruptcy during a time when parents need to stop working to be with their child. Your donation will help significantly reduce financial stress. Since our doors opened 40 years ago, we have provided over 4000 nights of comfort annually at the House. We also support local families who use our two Family Rooms within the hospital, attached to the Intensive Care Unit and on the 5th Floor.
Whether you are a monthly House Warmer or a one-time donor, your donation directly supports families who suddenly need to stay close to the hospital.
Volunteer
We are always in need of volunteers to help operate our front desk at the House, and to be a friendly face for families in our two Ronald McDonald Family rooms inside the hospital.
To learn more about this charity, please visit the latest issue of the Giving Guide here:
