Celebrating Our 2026 Partners in Purpose Award Winners

October 23, 2026

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For 45 years, Ronald McDonald House programs across Canada have helped more than half a million families stay together during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. What began as one House in Toronto has grown into 37 House and Family Room program locations (and counting), supporting families from more than 2,900 communities across the country.

Behind that growth is an extraordinary community of partners, supporters, volunteers, and advocates who believe that families should never have to face a child's medical journey alone. Their generosity, leadership, and commitment have helped expand access to care, strengthen communities, and ensure more families stay strong in their child's fight.

Our Partners in Purpose Awards celebrate those whose contributions are advancing our mission in meaningful and lasting ways. They recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, service, and generosity are helping shape the future of Ronald McDonald House across Canada.

It is our privilege to recognize the 2026 Ronald McDonald House Canada Partners in Purpose Award recipients.

Partner of the Year: Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) exemplifies what it means to be a purpose-driven partner. For more than 40 years, RBC’s support has reduced barriers families face when accessing lifesaving care for their child.

This year, RBC deepened their commitment even further with a $2-million contribution as the inaugural supporter of the Ronald McDonald House Canada National Family Resilience Fund. Through investments in capital projects, family-focused programming, and community engagement opportunities, RBC is expanding access to care and strengthening critical mental health and wellness support programs for thousands of families every year.

Beyond financial support, RBC employees continue to show up for families through volunteerism and community engagement. Whether preparing meals, packing care bags, or leading fundraising initiatives, their dedication demonstrates the impact people can make when they come together around a shared purpose.

Congratulations, RBC, and thank you for being a transformational Partner in Purpose.

Impact Campaign of the Year: Shell Canada, Behind Every Ride

Shell Canada's Behind Every Ride campaign demonstrates the power of storytelling to shine a light on the journeys families take in pursuit of life-saving medical care.

Through the lens of Marcus, a volunteer shuttle driver who helps families travel between House and Hospital, and the Shell volunteers who support families at the House, the campaign offers a glimpse into the realities families face while accessing medical care far from home. By highlighting the people, moments, and acts of support that shape a family's journey, Behind Every Ride reflects Shell Canada's commitment to helping families access the care they need.

Congratulations, Shell Canada, and thank you for helping Ronald McDonald House across Canada ensure families don't have to face this journey alone.

Service in Action: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)

CIBC's commitment to Ronald McDonald House across Canada is brought to life through the incredible dedication to volunteerism demonstrated by its employees.

Through thousands of volunteer hours at Ronald McDonald House program locations nationwide, CIBC employees dedicate their time, passion, and energy to supporting families. Whether preparing meals, supporting family programming, or leading local fundraising initiatives, they create meaningful moments of comfort and connection when families need them most.

In addition to their volunteer efforts, CIBC has contributed more than $1 million over three years in support of families with critically sick and injured children, demonstrating a deep commitment to strengthening communities across Canada.

By bringing people together around a shared purpose, CIBC demonstrates how service can create lasting change for families and communities alike.

Congratulations, CIBC, and thank you for turning service into action, and compassion into impact.

Generosity in Action: Cargill Canada

Cargill Canada's commitment to families continues to be defined by remarkable generosity, compassion, and action.

Through their signature FORE! The Houses golf tournament, employee giving, and hands-on volunteering at Ronald McDonald House programs across the country, their support continues to help create welcoming spaces where families can find comfort and connection while their child receives medical care.

This year, Cargill launched a new gift-in-kind program supplying chicken and beef to support meal programs across Canada. Combined with a record-setting fundraising year at FORE! The Houses, their generosity is helping provide comfort, nourishment, and support to families throughout their child's medical journey.

Congratulations, Cargill Canada, and thank you for continuing to find new ways to support families in communities across Canada.

Agency of the Year: OMD

OMD has been an exceptional partner in helping Ronald McDonald House Canada connect more Canadians to the stories, families at the heart of our mission.

Their team consistently brings thoughtfulness, creativity, and a shared commitment to ensuring more Canadians understand the impact of Ronald McDonald House programs and the families they serve.

As a trusted partner, OMD has played an important role in extending the reach of Ronald McDonald House Canada's mission and inspiring Canadians to stand behind families from communities across the country.

Congratulations, OMD, and thank you for helping amplify the impact of our mission across Canada.

Charity Champions: Amy Tait and Kimberly Ransom, GreenShield Staff Support Program

Amy Tait and Kimberly Ransom, of the McDonald’s Canada People Team, exemplify the spirit of a Charity Champion through their dedication, leadership, and commitment to supporting the people who serve as pillars for families with critically sick and injured children.

Through their stewardship of the GreenShield relationship, they played a critical role in advocating for the GreenShield Staff Support Program for Ronald McDonald House staff across Canada. Their leadership helped advance a significant investment in the mental health and wellbeing of the people on the front lines of our mission.

Congratulations, Amy and Kimberly, and thank you for your dedication to the mental wellness of Ronald McDonald House staff who support families every day.

Heart of Ronald McDonald House: Bert and Pat Villabroza

The Heart of Ronald McDonald House Award recognizes individuals whose generosity, compassion, and dedication embody the spirit of our mission.

Bert and Pat Villabroza have been passionate supporters of Ronald McDonald House and the families we serve. Through their longstanding commitment, they have helped champion our mission, raise awareness, and inspire support for families navigating some of life's most challenging moments.

Their dedication extends beyond fundraising and advocacy. Through visits to Ronald McDonald House across Canada, they have taken the time to connect with staff, volunteers, supporters, and families, gaining a firsthand understanding of the impact these programs have on communities from coast to coast. Their genuine commitment to learning about and supporting the mission continues to strengthen the Ronald McDonald House community.

Through their kindness, leadership, and unwavering support, Bert and Pat have become cherished members of the Ronald McDonald House community. Their commitment to families continues to inspire others and reflects the compassion at the heart of our mission.

Congratulations, Bert and Pat, and thank you for being the heart of Ronald McDonald House across Canada.