Q&A - Toronto's Ronald McDonald House

Toronto's Ronald McDonald House is a 'home away from home' for out-of-town families whose children are receiving treatment for serious illness at Toronto hospitals (generally the Hospital for Sick Children, but others as well). Our goal is to provide an atmosphere for families and their children where the familiar routines of home life can continue as much as possible.

What does Toronto's Ronald McDonald House do?

The mission of Toronto's Ronald McDonald House is to enhance the quality of life for out-of-town families with seriously ill children through a caring and supportive "home away from home." Our goal is to provide an atmosphere for families and their children where the familiar routines of home life can continue as much as possible. The House offers an atmosphere of compassion and understanding in a stressful and often frightening time. Our volunteers organize a wide range of activities for the families such as play groups, arts and crafts, theme parties, computer time and barbecues.

Who operates the House?

Toronto’s Ronald McDonald House is owned and operated by Toronto Children's Care Inc., a charitable nonprofit organization. Its Board of Directors consists of volunteer members from business, medical and community backgrounds. The House is run by a small staff and more than one hundred volunteers.

Who uses the services of Toronto's Ronald McDonald House?

80% are from Ontario, 11% are from Atlantic Canada, 5% are from Western Canada, and 4% are International.
The average length of stay at TRMH is 30 days – with a range of one day to one year.
70% of the families we serve wait an average of 4.5 days prior to admission.
The age range of the child receiving treatment is newborn to 18 years.
As outpatient care increases, more of our children reside at the House as they receive medical treatment at the hospital.
Many of our residents bring the entire family to live at the House while staying in Toronto.
32% are receiving treatment for cancer, 27% are receiving treatment for cardiac care, 5% are receiving treatment for organ transplants, 4% are receiving treatment for kidney or liver treatments, 3% are neonatal, and 29% are receiving treatment for other conditions.

This profile of our families comes from our 2007 Annual Report, which is available online in Adobe Acrobat "PDF" format.

How is McDonald's involved in the Ronald McDonald Houses?

McDonald's involvement in the RMH program dates back to 1973 when McDonald's Restaurants' owners/operators joined with the Philadelphia Eagles Football Club and citizens of Philadelphia to found the first Ronald McDonald House through joint fund raising and public awareness. Since the first house opened in 1973, the McDonald's family in North America, and more recently around the world, has participated in the opening of over 150 Houses. In Canada, 12 Houses are presently open (Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Calgary, London, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Quebec City and Hamilton). More than 230 Houses operate worldwide. In Canada, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada (RMHC) serves as a facilitator and a centralized communications resource for all Houses and sponsors the annual RMH convention. The Board of Directors of RMHC includes both an eastern and western representative.

Toronto's Ronald McDonald House is indebted to our many supporters – those who have just recently joined and those who have supported us since the House was first built. We are very grateful to McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada and Ronald McDonald House Charities for their continuing generosity and commitment to Toronto's Ronald McDonald House.

Our Relationship With McDonald’s

Who Owns and Operates Toronto’s Ronald McDonald House?

There are 12 Houses in Canada and each one is owned and operated by an individual independent non-profit community organization.

Toronto's Ronald McDonald House is individually incorporated and is owned and operated by Toronto Children’s Care Inc.

How is Ronald McDonald House Funded?

While McDonald’s and their charity, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), are long-term committed partners to us, we have a significant need to fundraise in the community. RMHC guarantees every House in Canada a minimum annual contribution of $100,000 to assist in operating costs and funds 50% of major renovations and capital improvements.

For Toronto's Ronald McDonald House, the RMHC minimum $100,000 contribution is approximately 7% of our annual budget. In order to continue to provide high quality programs and services to our families, Toronto's Ronald McDonald House must rely heavily on caring corporations, foundations, and individuals in order to meet our annual operating budget.

What is "Ronald McDonald House Charities?"

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is a registered charity with a simple objective: to help children in need. It is committed to assisting registered charities whose programs are community oriented and focus on improving the physical and emotional quality of life for children with serious illnesses, disabilities or chronic conditions, allowing them to lead happier, healthier and more productive lives.

Approximately 40% of funds distributed by Ronald McDonald House Charities go to Ronald McDonald Houses throughout Canada with the remaining funds going to other children’s charities that run programs for children and the families of children with serious illnesses, disabilities or chronic conditions.

How is McDonald’s Restaurants Related to Ronald McDonald House Charities?

To generate funds for RMHC, franchisees and the corporation leverage their resources to implement national and local promotions. Collectively, they utilize their restaurants, advertising dollars, packaging, and crew to create customer awareness and support. Through the years, they have raised millions of dollars to help Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada fulfill its mission.

McDonald’s and Ronald McDonald House Charities and its programs have a partnership that dates back to the inception of the charitable organization. McDonald’s, its franchisees, crewmembers, suppliers, and business partners all work to support the Charity. McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada funds 100% of the general and administrative costs of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Canada. This is important as it means that every dollar donated directly to RMHC benefits children with special needs.

What is the Relationship between McDonald’s and Ronald McDonald Houses?

Members of the McDonald’s family serve as volunteers on the boards and committees of the local Houses, working along side other members of their community. In addition to in-store fundraising efforts, McDonald’s franchisees participate in many local events for the Houses, including golf tournaments and galas. Houses can also directly access help from McDonald’s corporate, division and regional employees, in areas such as legal, tax, accounting, safety and security, human resources, communications, marketing, and facility construction and maintenance. McDonald’s suppliers are also encouraged to get involved through the donation of gifts in kind, monetary donations and support for local fundraising events.

Does Toronto's Ronald McDonald House produce an annual report?

Yes - and our 2007 Annual Report is available online in Adobe Acrobat "PDF" format.

Does Toronto's Ronald McDonald House have a Privacy Statement?

Yes - please see this page.

What's the history of Canada's first Ronald McDonald House?

Canada's first House opened in Toronto in 1981 at 356 Dundas Street West. It supported the families of children undergoing treatment for cancer and cancer-related illnesses. The overwhelming demand to accommodate out-of-town families prompted the Board of Directors to launch a $7 million fundraising campaign to build a second House. The second House, located at 26 Gerrard Street East, opened in 1993. This House accommodates families of children undergoing treatment for any serious illness. The Dundas Street House was closed in the fall of 1998 and the Gerrard Street House was expanded to include an additional seven bedrooms in 1999. Gerrard Street has 28 bedrooms.