HALIFAX: Ronald McDonald House, a home away from home for children being treated at the IWK Health Centre and their families, would be able to serve even more families in a larger building.
That’s why the province is contributing $3.5 million to a new Ronald McDonald House in Halifax that, once complete, will double the number of families it can serve annually.
Premier Stephen McNeil announced the funding at an event on Aug. 19, at the future site of the new Ronald McDonald House on South Street in Halifax.
“Having a sick or injured child puts a tremendous amount of stress on a family,” said Premier McNeil. “Ronald McDonald House has been there for families from across Nova Scotia and the Maritimes for over 35 years, and I’m proud that we are helping them support more families for years to come.”
Quotes:
“We can’t thank RMHC Atlantic enough. They are a blessing in disguise. RMHC was there when we needed them the most. To see our child interact with other children, baking cookies and playing games, after he had been so ill and isolated from others, warmed our hearts. RMHC allowed me to focus my energy on Grayson’s well-being and nurture him back to good health without having to worry about the financial burden of paying for hotels and restaurants. For this, I am truly grateful.
– Natasha MacNeil, mother of 4-year-old Grayson
“This announcement marks the beginning of a journey to ensure all Maritime families have a place to call home while dealing with the stress of a sick child. The new house will enable RMHC Atlantic to serve an additional 600 families annually, eliminate their wait list, and help keep more families together when they need each other most.”
– Scott McCain and Leslie McLean, co-chairs of the capital campaign for Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic
“Investing in social infrastructure that supports families is essential to building healthy and resilient communities. With the construction of the new Ronald McDonald House in Halifax, families with sick children from across the Maritimes will be well supported when they come for care. We are very proud to work with our partners to deliver this important project.”
– Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for Halifax
Quick Facts:
— through its Investing in Canada Plan, the Government of Canada is providing $4 million to the project
— Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic and other donations will provide the balance of the funding for this project
Additional Resources:
Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic: https://rmhcatlantic.ca/
Investing in Canada Plan Project Map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map
