CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

40 families from 19 communities helped

Medicine Hat Ronald McDonald House celebrates one year

Aug 3, 2021 | 4:54 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – On Wednesday, the Medicine Hat Ronald McDonald House will celebrate one year of helping families during some of their most stressful times.

The six-bedroom facility is located just steps from the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. It provides support to families that have to travel when their child needs medical treatment.

Jason Evanson, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta, says families are grateful for the house.

“Families comment on the focus that it provides them on their child at the hospital and the relief that’s provided through the provision of accommodations and meals and the variety of other supports that we’re able to provide,” he says. “We are only 200 steps from the hospital across the street so whether it’s a place to sleep or a bite to eat we’re helping to ensure that that family’s child can get better as quickly as possible.”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

18h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

In its first year, the city’s Ronald McDonald House has served 40 families from 19 area communities.

“We’re really proud of the fact that there were 200 nights of comfort provided to those families that stayed with us,” says Evanson. “And it’s a relief to those families and also for the medical community to know that they have a place to stay when they’ve got to come into town for treatment.”

Evanson says the community has been reliably generous by fundraising, volunteering and donating supported the house from groundbreaking to today.

He says to visit rmhcalberta.org to find out how you can help.