RMH

It seems surreal that a child should have to learn what it means to understand and cope with a healthcare experience. The unfortunate reality is that for seriously ill children, it is not only necessary, it is critical. The Child Life Program here at the House helps ease a child's anxiety and assists all family members in coping with the stress of their situation. The use of medical dolls and standard medical equipment such as syringes during activities, helps children become more comfortable with and less fearful of different procedures and treatments they face at the hospital.

When a child undergoes a significant change in their lives due to illness, they can experience emotions they can't put into words or even understand. Twice a week, the Expressive Arts Program allows children and parents to use a variety of artistic mediums to communicate their feelings in a safe way.

Activities include:

• Painting, drawing and sculpting. Children are able to express complex emotions through these artistic methods. They are also able to experience pride in creating something from nothing. A blank piece of paper for example, represents hope when it is filled with rainbows.
• Performing or playing with puppets:  a safe way for a child to express their feelings. While talking to a grown-up can be difficult, talking to a starfish can be much easier!
• Experimenting with musical instruments to learn to express emotion through sound and movement.
  
  
  

Directed by our valuable volunteers, the Play Program provides a vibrant environment that encourages imagination, fun and creativity. Offered seven days a week, this program provides structure and routine, while providing a creative outlet that lets kids be kids. 

Activities include:

• Creative crafts
• Cooking and baking fun
• Woodworking
• Games
• Movie nights
• Seasonal decorating
• Seasonal parties, and much more!

It is difficult for children to be away from home during the summer. Friends are surely missed. But there is a lot to keep kids busy if they happen to spend a summer at the House. Our Summer Fun program is a dynamic day camp-like program. It offers a variety of fun activities during long summer days, including baking, arts and crafts, as well as special summer field trips. It keeps kids entertained while making new friends.

We know that the little things can make a big difference in the way our children and families heal - Sitting down to a home-cooked meal after a long day at the hospital, borrowing a car to get groceries, or emailing your friends back home. Our support services are designed to make life just a little bit easier for our families while they are staying at Ronald McDonald House Toronto.

• Home for Dinner - Groups can demonstrate their commitment to helping others by providing a meal for families under our roof. We continue to reach out to small groups with a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of families in need through our Home for Dinner meal program.
• House Car - Available for family members with a valid driver's license to sign out, courtesy of Subaru.
• Shiatsu Massage - Volunteer Leisa is available once a week for a relaxing 15-minute session in our Quiet Room.
• Laptops are available to borrow and wireless internet is provided so our families can stay connected to loved ones back home.