Canada’s Most Essential House: Ronald McDonald House® is a Lifeline for Families with Critically Sick and Injured Children

Tapping into Canada’s deep engagement with real-estate content, Ronald McDonald House Canada leverages the familiar format of online property listings to highlight the essential services that support families with critically sick and injured children when it matters most.  

As the only national organization enabling access to Canada’s paediatric healthcare system, Ronald McDonald House proudly serves the country’s most medically vulnerable children and their families. Bridging geographical and socio-economic gaps, Ronald McDonald House removes barriers and makes life-saving paediatric healthcare more accessible for tens of thousands of families each year – reinforcing its role as Canada’s Most Essential House.  
 
This February, we’re inviting Canadians to step into the House that provides critical support for families through Canada’s Most Essential House campaign. By showcasing the unique features and purpose-built amenities designed to foster community, provide wraparound care, and meet the needs of families navigating their child’s medical journey, Canadians gain a deeper understanding of the essential nature of Ronald McDonald House and its meaningful impact.  

“For families facing the unimaginable, Ronald McDonald House is a lifeline,” says Kate Horton, President & CEO of Ronald McDonald House Canada. “When you support your local Ronald McDonald House, you’re giving families more than just a place to stay together, you’re creating a place for families to stay strong and thrive, and enabling the best possible health outcomes for their child.” 

What is Canada’s Most Essential House? 

For two thirds of the population, travel for their child’s speciality medical care is a necessity that can lead to significant challenges to a family’s financial, emotional, mental and overall well-being.  

And when a child is critically sick or injured, being surrounded by the love and care of their family is a powerful – and underestimated resource.  

“During our daughter Zunayrah’s 5.5month NICU stay, Ronald McDonald House South Central Ontario truly became our home,” her mother Farrah shares. “The kindness of the staff and volunteers, the comfort of the space, and the unwavering support around us eased our journey and helped us stay close to our baby during one of the most challenging times of our lives.” 

The Impact of Ronald McDonald House across Canada:  

• Across 16 Ronald McDonald House and 21 Ronald McDonald House Family Room® program locations (which are located within the hospital), Ronald McDonald House provides compassionate care, resources and stability for families with critically sick and injured children. Since 1981, Ronald McDonald House has served more than half a million families while their child was treated at a nearby hospital.  

• In 2024, 92% of families who stayed say Ronald McDonald House was the most helpful source of support in helping them cope during their child’s treatment.  

• Over 90% of hospital administrators agree that Ronald McDonald House enhances their ability to provide family-centered care and over 75% agree that a partnership with Ronald McDonald House enhances their quality of care. ¹  

• In 2024, 98% of families said that staying with Ronald McDonald House eased their financial burden.  Without support from Ronald McDonald House, families could face up to $24,526 in out-of-pocket expenses for just a one-month hospital stay². 

Despite historic mission footprint growth and expansion in 2025, demand for support persists with up to four out of five families unable to access support due to lack of space or no available program location³. This is why Ronald McDonald House has set a bold ambition: to double the number of families served by 2030. 

Your Support is Essential 

Help more families stay at Canada’s Most Essential House by: 

• Donating: Your gift helps more families stay in their child’s fight.  

• Visit ronaldmcdonaldhouse.ca/essential to learn more about the campaign and how you can make a meaningful difference.  

• Sharing: Spread the word about Canada’s Most Essential House and inspire others to support families from your community.  

Together, we can ensure that every family navigating their child’s medical journey has a place to find comfort, strength, and care through the House that will always remain essential.