Across Canada, RMHC provides families with a home away from home when they must travel to access the healthcare their sick child needs at a specialized children’s hospital. Ronald McDonald Houses offer a warm and compassionate home where families can rest, enjoy home cooked meals, do laundry, and access support programming, just steps away from the hospital care their child needs. The Family Rooms are an oasis and restful place, located directly within hospital walls that convey comfort and hospitality while working to relieve the stress of having a sick child.
“When I was pregnant with my daughter Sophie, we knew she was going to require a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) stay. What we didn’t know was the severity of her condition or how long her NICU stay would be. Nothing can prepare you for having a sick child, and we were filled with fear and exhaustion. I remember our first dinner at the house. It was an amazing home cooked meal served by a few lovely volunteers! They made us feel right at home.” — Robyn Emmerson, 280 nights at RMHC, CIBC team member
“We knew we were in for multiple surgeries and we were going to have a long haul. We had no idea where we were staying, and when we found out we could stay at Ronald McDonald House, that was huge. I kind of expected dorm rooms, bunkbeds, really basic accommodations. When we got there I was like, this is like a hotel. You have strollers, you have playpens, it was fantastic.” — Erin Nolan, 264 nights at RMHC, CIBC team member
Robyn and Erin’s families are the 2 of more than 26,000 families RMHC supports across Canada in an average year through 34 programs — 16 Ronald McDonald Houses and 18 Family Rooms. The need for this type of support programming is great, and across the country, RMHC has helped several families from our very own CIBC Team.
“I was already very proud to be an employee with CIBC, but even more so knowing the relationship that CIBC has with the RMHC. Continuing to be a partner with the Ronald McDonald House means continuing to allow families the ability to spend more time with their children and less time worrying. I wish no one had to know what it was like to have a child that required complex medical care, but want people to realize what a positive impact they have on people's lives by supporting the RMHC! I am very grateful for my CIBC family and now my Ronald McDonald family for helping us on this journey!” says Robyn.
Since RMHC opened its first House in Canada in 1981, more than 450,000 families have received support. CIBC has been a supporter since these early days, and together with CIBC Foundation, has donated nearly $2 million to RMHC across Canada. CIBC Foundation is proud to renew our support for RMHC as a National Mission Sponsor.
Watch the video to learn more about Erin Nolan’s family journey at Ronald McDonald House:
