The Chef-Led Program aligns with our organizational goals in several key areas:
 
1. Alignment with Other Houses: Many Houses across Canada and the US have successfully transitioned to a Chef-led program, and this model has proven to be highly effective.
 
2. Health and Safety Standards: By purchasing groceries centrally, we gain greater control over food quality, storage conditions, and overall adherence to health and safety standards.
 
3. Time Savings for Groups: The new program eliminates the need for groups to invest time in recipe research, quantity calculations, and grocery shopping, thus reducing barriers and allowing more groups to participate.
 
4. Variety of Cuisines: The families staying at RMH BC are diverse, so we want to be able to provide meals that are inclusive of all cultures by providing unique menus. The Chef will be selecting the menus based on what is available and in season.
 
5. Reducing Food Waste: Having a chef carefully curate menus will allow us to reduce food waste by repurposing any leftovers to make additional meals and work with the rising food costs.
 
6. Impact-driven Experience: Think of it as a cooking class that gives back – what could be a more rewarding way to learn new culinary skills?

For groups that no longer wish to participate in this program due to these changes, we have a large variety of other options including making Freezer Meals, preparing lunch for families, and participating in seasonal activities such as cookie decorating or making Halloween treat bags.
 
We’re so grateful for the many groups who have remained dedicated to our Family Meals Program over the years.
 
Alumni families – no charge/can choose to fundraise

RMHC National Mission Partners – discounted participation rates and/or waived fees

Yes! Your House Engagement Fee is fully tax receiptable.

Absolutely! Setting up a fundraising page is an easy way to collect donations online from family and friends before you cook at the House. By raising funds through a bake sale, trivia night, or other idea, you’re supporting more than just a meal, you’re helping to create a feeling of home for families who are many miles away from their own homes.

To ensure that we are keeping all families safe, we ask that all visitors to the House must be fully vaccinated (2 doses) and are required to show proof of vaccination. You will be asked to wear gloves during all food preparation. If you would like to wear a mask, medical grade masks will be provided at the front desk.

We always do our best to provide groups the opportunity to eat after service time. We make sure to serve all the families first, then our Food Services Coordinator will let your team lead know if there is enough left over to feed everyone. At this time, you are welcome to sit in the kitchen or courtyard to enjoy the meal you’ve prepared together.

Yes, feel free to capture your group in action and share away! Don’t forget to tag us: @rmhbc. Keep in mind that our families are at home – please refrain from taking any photos or videos of families.

We require a minimum two weeks notice to reschedule or cancel your Family Meal. Although your House Engagement Fee will not be refunded, we will find another date available for you to book at no additional cost. If you must cancel less than two weeks out and are unable to reschedule, we strongly encourage you still organize a family meal on the date you had booked – whether it’s a pizza delivery, food truck or other option.
 
Often last-minute cancellations end up costing the organization between $2,000-$2,500 to find alternative options on short notice and as it is our mission to ensure we deliver meals to families throughout the week, this creates a challenge for us as an organization who relies on community support. This essential program helps relieve the emotional and financial burdens of families having to plan and prepare food after long days at the hospital, which is why it is so important we ensure meals are consistently provided.

As the demand for participating in the Family Meals program is high, we will hold your preferred date for one week, however, if we have not received your House Engagement Fee by that time, we will release the date to another group. 

Due to the popularity of the program, we can only accommodate up to 2 bookings per year for corporate groups. Please connect with our team for additional information on other corporate engagement opportunities.

We welcome volunteers age 18 and up.