Philanthropy in Ottawa is supported by Donor: CIBC Wood Gundy
The donation: $28,747
The recipient: Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa
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For Ginger Bertrand, some of her earliest childhood memories in Ottawa are centred around healthcare. “I grew up across the street from what was originally the General Hospital,” she explains,
The inspiration: “I have a soft spot for Ronald McDonald House in Ottawa. Supporting parents through their worst nightmare, their child being ill or injured, is the right thing to do. The fact the home is local was also a big part of the story for us,” says Ron Armstrong, portfolio manager/investment advisor, CIBC Private Wealth Wood Gundy.
Although the annual Skifest event did not take place because of pandemic-related restrictions, the CIBC Wood Gundy team kept its commitment to Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa (RMHCO) this year. The group stepped up to ensure families are supported through a gift of just over $28,000. When parents travel to seek care for a child who is ill, the “home-away-from-home” at RMHCO is a welcomed haven during a challenging time.
In 2020, CIBC Wood Gundy made a commitment of $50,000 over five years.
The money will be allocated to the “Adopt-A-Room” Program. Families are provided a suite with a private bathroom and access to laundry services, hot meals and a full kitchen while their child seeks treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
“As a business focused person, all you need to do is think about the difficulties families are facing by travelling to get care for their kids to change your perspective,” says Ron Armstrong, portfolio manager/investment advisor, CIBC Private Wealth Wood Gundy. “For this reason, we are committed to the Ronald McDonald House in Ottawa. Philanthropy is at the core of our values.”
The RMHCO saves families over $5,000 per visit. Being able to focus on their child and not being concerned about the fees for accommodations or meals is a welcomed relief to parents who need to travel for their child’s care. The average stay for a family is 19 nights, with the longest stay being over two years.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa has been offering help to families for over 37 years and provided over 170,000 nights of lodging.
“The pandemic did not stop children from getting ill or being in an accident. We could not just close our doors. Our home is an essential service and for this reason gifts, like the one from CIBC Wood Gundy, mean so much,” says Christine Hardy, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa.
Philanthropy in Ottawa is a monthly feature highlighting notable donations in Ottawa. Share your stories of philanthropy in our community with news@obj.ca. And be sure to read the latest edition of OBJ’s Giving Guide:
