House News

A New Place to Play

This year we are adding a playroom to the back of our House. This will be a special place for our children to call their own. This playroom has been made possible by the generosity and donations from Herb Lagois, Lagois Drafting and Construction, Jason Spezza, SAP and IBM.

WHAT'S COOKIN'

"MBNA/Bank of America has been volunteering with Ronald MacDonald House since 2000 and in 2007 we had over 300 associates experience the magic at RMH while cooking over 150 meals.

Anyone who has been to Ronald MacDonald House will tell you that you can feel it as soon as you walk through the doors - love, kindness, and courage.

While volunteering to cook at RMH you get an immediate reaction from the families staying there. That feeling you get as you take the food out of the oven and people at the house start to come around to see what smells so good makes you come back again and again. You get to see their smiles, talk to them and realize that a little act of kindness does make a difference. That's what makes you come back, the people at the house, their stories and more importantly their positive attitude.

Christmas Comes to Ronald McDonald House
Ho! Ho! Ho! Toys for Tots

His Excellency Ambassador Wilkins, members of the United States Marines and Santa brought Christmas to our House again this year. As part of the Marines "Toys for Tots" Christmas campaign, the children staying at the House in December are the recipients of a toy especially chosen for them. Thanks to this wonderful program we have toys throughout the year to give out on birthday's and "just because"! This is truly a gift that keeps on giving. We wish to thank the Marines, Ambassador Wilkins and the Embassy staff for their thoughtfulness and kindness shown to our children.

Santa and Mrs. Clause made an extra trip to Ronald McDonald House thanks to the wonderful folks at RioCan, Westgate Mall and Lincoln Fields Mall. Each child received an individually chosen and wrapped gift from Santa. Mrs. Claus read stories to the children and led a singsong. Cookies and candy canes were the order of the day. Truly, there is a Santa Claus!

Our Garden Escape

The relationship with Ronald McDonald House and Landscape Ontario (Ottawa Chapter) started over 20 years when a group of member companies created the original gardens at the House. Tim Kearney of Garden Creations has been volunteering the staff and the time, and taking care of the grounds for the past 11 years. Tim and his crew keep the grounds well tended, beds are weeded, trees pruned and grass cut. They always go that extra mile. Special thanks to Tim and his crew, Bruce Morton of Greenscapes and the member of Landscape Ontario (Ottawa Chapter) who are always willing to lend a hand. We are always looking for plant material...
Please call if you have any plant material to donate. (613-737-5523)