Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon (RMH BC) will celebrate 40 years of diligently keeping families close during their most difficult times on Wednesday, October 4. RMH BC has been a beacon of hope and support for over 25,000 families from 220 communities across British Columbia and Yukon as they negotiate the difficulties of medical crises since its establishment. To commemorate this extraordinary journey, RMH BC is launching an inspiring fundraising campaign called RMH UNITED.
In a country with a staggering 86,000 charities, raising funds can be a daunting task. However, RMH BC is drawing inspiration from the world of sports, where communities unite to sponsor teams and passionately support a common goal. For its 40th anniversary, RMH BC calls upon its supporters, volunteers, and communities to rally together as one team under one badge and become RMH UNITED.
Uniting for a Shared Vision
Richard Pass, CEO of RMH BC & Yukon, emphasizes the power of unity, saying, “Over the past 40 years, we’ve proven how much we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision – helping tens of thousands of children and families when they need it most. Just like a football club, we’re asking our community of donors, volunteers, ambassadors, and supporters to join forces and #SupportOurDream. Because together, we can ensure that all families have the space, resources, and support they need while their child receives care for serious illnesses.”
A Remarkable Journey
RMH BC first opened its doors in 1983 with a 13-bedroom home in Vancouver’s Shaughnessy neighborhood. Recognizing the increasing need for support, RMH BC expanded by opening a new House on the BC Children’s Hospital campus in 2014, offering 73 bedrooms. Today, it serves up to 2,000 families annually, providing a nurturing environment, support, and resources during their most challenging moments. The House offers spacious suites, state-of-the-art kitchens, inspiring indoor and outdoor spaces, playrooms, lounges, an arts and crafts studio, and various Wellness Programs to foster connections and healing.
Additionally, RMH BC operates a 4-bedroom Family Room within Surrey Memorial Hospital, offering a quiet haven for families while their child receives treatment and care.
Meeting the Growing Need
Each year, approximately 90,000 children across BC & Yukon seek urgent medical treatment at BC Children’s and BC Women’s Hospital. The demand for RMH BC’s services exceeds its capacity, resulting in over 500 families being turned away annually.
To bridge this gap, RMH BC has ambitious plans in the coming years. They intend to build a second long-term stay house adjacent to the existing one in Vancouver and establish a second Family Room within Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops by the summer of 2024. This expansion will provide much-needed support to families relocating to Vancouver, often for extended periods.
Today, RMH BC stands as an essential service and the province’s family care charity. Adapting to the evolving needs of families, it remains dedicated to supporting Canadian families with sick children, serving as an integral part of BC’s pediatric health care system.
How You Can Make a Difference
You can be a part of this incredible journey by donating or becoming a sponsor at www.sponsorourteam.ca. Don’t forget to join the conversation online by tagging @rmhbc on social media with the hashtags #SupportOurDream and #SponsorOurTeam as you help spread awareness of the campaign and fundraising activities.
For organizations looking to make a meaningful impact, RMH UNITED offers sponsorship opportunities that will gain widespread attention through a Virtual Jersey displayed online. Just like a football club, RMH UNITED invites sponsors to get their name on this unique jersey, and they’re extending this opportunity to all organizations. If you’re interested in contributing to Support RMH UNITED, your donation will be akin to a rallying chant during extra time – it will uplift spirits and bring RMH BC one step closer to its goal of serving more families with seriously ill children. To learn more about sponsorship and donation opportunities, visit www.sponsorourteam.ca.
Join RMH BC in celebrating 40 years of keeping families close and supporting them during their toughest moments. RMH UNITED is not just a campaign; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of countless families across British Columbia & Yukon. Be a part of this united effort to continue RMH BC’s mission of providing care, support, and hope. Together, we can make a difference.