2020 was a year when we all learned a little bit about what families at Ronald McDonald House go through. We sanitized everything, we wore masks, and we stayed apart to keep our loved ones with medical challenges safe. We had to change all of our plans for the year, and the normal routines we relied on were suddenly gone.

But, like the families who come to stay at Ronald McDonald House, we were lifted up by the incredible support of our community. We saw people lending a helping hand in any way that they could, from financial donations to food deliveries to virtual paint nights and visits from Santa.

And in spite of everything that this past year has thrown at us, we have been able to provide families with the comfort for which Ronald McDonald House is famous, all thanks to your support.

The outpouring of help and care that we’ve seen since the pandemic began has been truly heartwarming. What’s more, it has allowed us to approach our jobs with renewed optimism and vigour, and we have witnessed some moments that we will never forget.

This year, thanks to your support:

• A teen was still able to celebrate his 16th birthday by doing something memorable—learning to make sushi.
• A mom and daughter were able to lose themselves for an afternoon making art together.
• A family with an immune-suppressed child gained peace of mind because they didn’t need to risk going out for supplies.
• A child learned to ride a bike for the first time with the help of their siblings.
• A family from Northern BC realized they weren’t alone in Vancouver when they met a family in the kitchen facing the same diagnosis.

It takes a village to help each of our families feel at home here, and we are so grateful that you are a part of our village. Until we can meet and say thank you in person – thank you for ensuring that BC and Yukon have a safe home away from home when they need it most.

Now let’s continue to do our best for each other and let’s work to make 2021 our best year yet!

Warmly,
Richard Pass CEO
Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon