Canadian operators rally to support RMHC Manitoba with $500K

February 12, 2021

Serving the community is of utmost importance at McDonald’s and a responsibility the whole System takes to heart. 

Perhaps nowhere is that commitment clearer than in service to Ronald McDonald House Charities®  (RMHC ®) Chapters around the world, and their mission of keeping families close – close to each other and close to the health care they need, by providing a "home-away-from-home" and other support services for sick children and their families. 

In early 2020, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Manitoba, Canada, had just unveiled ambitious expansion plans for a new Ronald McDonald House that could care for more families in the community, a campaign supported by McDonald’s Canada owner/operators of Manitoba and North Western Ontario who provide annual financial support. 

The need was clear – the year before, more than 200 families were on a wait list for the Ronald McDonald House, waiting an average of four nights for space to open. 

When the pandemic hit, Ronald McDonald House programs everywhere, including Manitoba’s, quickly pivoted to address needs arising from Covid-19 such as increased health risks for patients, limited supplies and fewer available volunteers. 

But for this group of Manitoba and North Western Ontario owner/operators, led by Ryan McCullough, an RMHC leadership operator in Manitoba, and Tim O’Connor, an operator member of RMHC Manitoba’s board of directors, the pandemic underscored the urgency of advancing the expansion plans. The goal: help ensure that Manitoba’s new Ronald McDonald House could weather such uncertainties in the future.  

This month, Manitoba and North Western Ontario McDonald’s Owner/Operators announced a $500,000 commitment to the new House, which is slated to begin construction in March 2021.

“I am proud to be one of the 12 Manitoba McDonald's Owner/Operators committed to helping families through the new Ronald McDonald House Manitoba. We may be small in numbers, but we are mighty in collaboration, teamwork, and a shared purpose to feed and foster our communities,” says operator Ryan McCullough. 

“The commitment of $500,000 will help keep families together through the incredible work RMHC does throughout the world and is a testament to the franchisee's loyalty and how McDonald's brand can serve our communities and create a kinder future. When it's time to put a shovel in the ground this March, we will be there, side by side but six feet apart, knowing that we're stronger when we're together,” he adds.

When it's time to put a shovel in the ground this March, we will be there, side by side but six feet apart, knowing that we're stronger when we're together,” says operator Ryan McCullough

Once completed, the new House will expand capacity from 14 bedrooms in the current House to 40 bedrooms, meaning support for more than 600 families annually and enabling 14,600 nights of overnight accommodations for families with seriously ill children.

“Our hearts are filled with appreciation, respect, and admiration for all of our Manitoba and North Western Ontario McDonald’s Owner/Operators,” says Wendy Galagan, CEO, RMHC Manitoba. 

“This outpouring generosity of support will help transform RMHC Manitoba’s next chapter of legacy, care and compassion to families with seriously ill children. Today and every day, we are strengthened because of the giving of our Owner/Operators, their incredible restaurant teams, crew, and guests.”

To support RMHC Manitoba’s capital campaign and learn more about its plans to support the growing needs of local families, visit: https://www.rmhcmanitoba.org/how-you-can-help/capital-campaign.

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