RMH

 
Largest Ronald McDonald House in the world opens in Toronto

Grand Opening of the new House culminates more than six years of planning and construction

TORONTO, ON (November 18, 2011) – Offering a “home away from home” for seriously ill children and their families, Ronald McDonald House Toronto officially opened the doors to the largest House of its kind in the world today, equipped to provide out-of-town families comfort, compassion and support services during a most difficult time in their lives.

“The opening of the new Ronald McDonald House Toronto represents a significant and exciting milestone in the history of the House, the city and country,” said Jane Marco, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Toronto.  “Truly a home of hope in Toronto, the House offers a place for families to heal better together.  Through the support of our many generous partners, we are thrilled to now be able to serve and support more families than we turn away.”

The new House fills a glaring need to accommodate more families with a place to stay as they engage in the fight of their lives. Having completely outgrown the space on Gerrard Street, the House is constantly at capacity, with a turn-away rate as high as 70 per cent. The new House will provide  30,000 nights of family comfort every year to three times the number of parents and children in need as its predecessor.

Located at  240 McCaul Street, the new House is just steps away from The Hospital for Sick Children and Mount Sinai Hospital and features 96 bedrooms to accommodate 81 families per night, a common kitchen, spaces for an accredited private school and child-focused programming. Targeting LEED Gold Certification, the House also features abundant gardens and a playground, offering a healing connection to nature.

“The new Ronald McDonald House Toronto will greatly enhance our ability to serve families who need these critical services most and will strengthen the health outcomes for children in Ontario. We’re delighted to support Ronald McDonald House Toronto as it continues to offer a supportive home-like environment for children and their families,” said Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-term Care.

As with any expansion, the House’s current resources will be stretched to meet significant increases in operating costs.  Ronald McDonald House Toronto relies on the ongoing support of generous partners and of its communities to help keep its doors open. For more information on Ronald McDonald House Toronto and to show your support, visit www.rmhtoronto.org. 

About Ronald McDonald House Toronto
For more than 30 years, RMH Toronto has been fulfilling our mission to provide a “home away from home” for seriously ill children and their families to heal better together.  RMH Toronto offers a place for sleeping, schooling, working, relaxing, cooking and playing. It also provides vital therapeutic programs that help sick children, their siblings and their parents get to a better place emotionally.
For more information, visit www.rmhtoronto.org. 
       

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For more information:     
Lianne Castelino, RMH Toronto               Jackie Elliott, GolinHarris
[email protected]                       [email protected]
P: 416 977-0458  ext. 269                            M: 416-409-7496