The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Saskatchewan received a generous donation of $212,500 to construct a future Ronald McDonald Home in Prince Albert. The donation was made by companies including Flyer Electric, Team Drilling, Points Athabasca, Tru North Recreation Superstore, Athabasca Basin Security, and Optek Solutions, all partially owned by Athabasca Basin Development.
Geoff Gay, the CEO of Athabasca Basin Development, highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting the local community. As an Indigenous organization with shareholders from the Athabasca region, they make it a priority to give back to their community in meaningful ways. Many people from the North rely on the Ronald McDonald House and its accommodations in Saskatoon, making the plans for a new facility in Prince Albert especially exciting. The new house is expected to play a vital role in providing support to families across various communities.
Tammy Forrester, who is the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan, noted that this significant contribution further strengthened the partnership with Athabasca Basin Development, building on previous donations to the Saskatoon House. She emphasized how grateful she was for their commitment to supporting Saskatchewan families as they worked together to create homes that kept families close during challenging times.
Ronald McDonald Homes provide food, shelter, and support to families with seriously ill children who need to travel for medical care. Their slogan is “Home away from home,” fostering a sense of community among those who stay at these homes. The Miles to Go campaign aimed to raise funds for the new house in Prince Albert and another location in Regina.
Each year, over 5,000 children in Saskatchewan are admitted to hospitals located more than 100 kilometres from their homes, forcing families to make long, challenging trips. As of now, unfortunately, only 20-30% of these pediatric families receive support from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). During times of illness or injury, parents and caregivers dedicate 100% of their energy and resources to caring for their children. RMHC aims to increase its support, which would lead to over $6 million in savings for Saskatchewan families, an increase of more than 104%.
At Polite Canada, we like to highlight organizations like Athabasca Basin Development, that give back to their communities. Their generous donation will help countless families in need for years to come. We look forward to the construction of this new Ronald McDonald Home and hope that more donations will come so that more care homes can be built and more families can find the help they need.
Source: Sask Now
