Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon
4567 Heather Street V5Z 0C9 Vancouver, BC, Canada

The amazing team at SilverBirch Hotels, Residence Inn by Marriott recently assembled Grab-N-Go snack bags for our families to take with them to their hospital visits in celebration of World Kindness Week. They even included a dad joke for an added smile . We are so grateful for the support from our local businesses! There are so many ways for you and your employees to get virtually involved and make the holidays extra special at Ronald McDonald House. Visit https://rmhbc.ca/holiday-house for more information and to collaborate with the RMH BC team.

While holiday celebrations everywhere look a bit different this year, one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to giving families a welcoming and festive home for the holidays. And you can help! Find out how you, your friends and family, and your colleagues can safely get involved and support Ronald McDonald House this year. https://rmhbc.ca/holiday-house

Today is National Philanthropy Day, a day where we set aside time to recognize the impact philanthropy has had on society. #NationalPhilanthropyDay lets us celebrate the change we’ve made, the change we’re making, and the change that is yet to come. #GivingisReceiving Today we recognize some amazing supporters who have made an incredible impact on RMH BC and many more causes. Congrats to Matt August, RLC Park Services and Arnold and Anita Silber for their Giving Hearts Awards nominations!

There are new ways to help families with sick children in your community at McDonald’s Canada! From Nov. 10-30 a portion of the proceeds from all fries sold will support RMH BC families. (This includes McDelivery if you can't make it to your local restaurant!) And you can ask to Round Up your order to the nearest dollar to support RMH BC, year-round. ... #FriesForGood #KeepingFamiliesClose

Last weekend, Yvonna hosted her second Home for Dinner benefitting Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon, where she created a cozy backyard picnic and a home-cooked meal for her social bubble of six people. Yvonna toured the House with her family last year to learn more about how RMH BC helps families who must travel far from home for medical treatment for a seriously ill child and when the opportunity arose to support the House through Home for Dinner, she eagerly signed up. Ins...tead of having her guests bringing something for dinner, they donated to RMH BC, so families with sick children can continue to share meals and moments together while they heal. Even though her gathering looked a little different this year due to COVID-19, and she was able to rediscover the joys of hosting a gathering in her back yard for her social bubble. There is also an option to host a virtual Home for Dinner event, giving back through donations and joining the virtual celebration on Thursday, October 15. Find more about hosting your own Home for Dinner presented by Beedie and other ways to participate: https://rmhbc.salsalabs.org/homefordinner/index.html Yvonna was also able to partner up with FreshPrep to create a delicious meal using pre-measured, fresh and local ingredients for her small group of friends to enjoy. When you subscribe to Fresh Prep’s service using the code FPRMH, $5 will support RMH BC families and first time users also get up to 75% off their first order (a value of $36.75). Learn more: https://try.freshprep.ca/RMH/ #HomeForDinner #KeepingFamiliesClose #homeawayfromhome

Whether you are looking for celebrity chef dinners in your home, unique experiences and adventures, luxurious staycations, or fine wine to bring your Home for Dinner event to the next level, there is something for everyone in our online auction. Our Home for Dinner online auction sponsored by Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel Ltd. is now open! Get your bidding fingers ready, its easy to register, browse all kinds of exclusive items and bid from the comfort of your own home. P...lace your bids online before 7:30pm on October 15 and join for a virtual celebration that evening to toast your impact. Start bidding today: https://givergy.ca/rmhbc/

While the programs we are able to provide have changed, the Save-On-Foods Pantry Program has become an essential source of support for families staying at RMH BC. For parents at RMH BC, the COVID-19 pandemic is especially stressful as they care for their immune compromised children far from home. Through the pantry and shared freezer, guests have access to frozen meals, basic groceries, snacks, and fresh fruits and vegetables. This reduces their need to go out in the community to shop for groceries or interact with the public. As we continue to adapt to the challenges of COVID-19, we are grateful for the incredible support from the Save-On-Foods Pantry Program!

One of the ways our families relax is by enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning. Volunteers like Debbie and Trielle typically make sure that there is a pot of coffee readily available in the kitchen. Sometimes a simple cup of coffee can be just the thing to help a tough day! Today is National Coffee Day and we are celebrating with a fresh mug shared with friends and family. Did you know that throughout the month of September, Keurig is donating $1 from the purchase of any McCafé 100% Ethically Sourced home coffee? This is just one of the cause marketing campaigns currently supporting Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon. Take a look at some of the other campaigns supporting the House and find out about how you can start your own: https://rmhbc.ca/cause-marketing/

Staying at RMH BC means that families have the space to celebrate birthdays even when they are far from home dealing with doctor’s appointments and medical treatments. Is your birthday coming up? Did you know it’s easy to set up a birthday fundraiser benefiting Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon families on Facebook? Learn how to make your next gathering or celebration make an even bigger impact by fundraising: https://rmhbc.ca/virtual-fundraising/... Thank you Sarah, Viki and Jessie Leigh for hosting Facebook birthday fundraisers for us in October.

In our supporter spotlight, we are sharing more about the people who invest their time and energy to make the House feel like home for all of our families. Meet Lindsey, pictured here with our CEO, Richard Pass, at A Night to Dream, who initially got involved with RMH BC 15 years ago as a volunteer. She first started volunteering at our old House and would help welcome families and ensure that they felt supported. From her very first shift, she could clearly see the impact of... the House on families who needed a place to stay when in Vancouver while their child was receiving treatment at the hospital. Lindsey runs two businesses, Bold Ink Strategy and Lowkl Customer Care, all while co-chairing our RMH BC’s A Night to Dream Gala committee. Instead of helping organize our gala this year, Lindsey is directing her efforts towards our Home for Dinner campaign that encourages all our supporters to help raise funds in support of BC and Yukon families at their next meal shared with loved ones. Join the campaign and celebrate with us with an online celebration on October 15! Learn more: https://rmhbc.salsalabs.org/homefordinner/index.html Read the full spotlight: https://rmhbc.ca/supporter-spotlight-lindsey-turner/

In past years, we would host birthday parties each month to celebrate the birthdays in the House. Birthdays are important events at RMH BC and when families must travel to Vancouver for their child’s treatment, they are still able to celebrate birthdays together in their home away from home. Is your fall birthday coming up? Did you know it’s easy to set up a birthday fundraiser benefiting Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon families on Facebook? Learn how to make your next gat...hering or celebration make an even bigger impact by fundraising: https://rmhbc.ca/virtual-fundraising/ Thank you Stacey, Chelsea, Dani, Brooke, Caroline, Corrine, Amy, Ashley, Theresa, Michelle, Geetkamal, Sasha, Lindsay, Shannon, Rhea, Stacey and Jocelyn for organizing a recent Facebook fundraiser!

Organizing a Home for Dinner for the RMH BC was an honour! Instead of just having another nice meal, we were able to give back to kids that are in need. I encourage everyone to put together a Home for Dinner fundraiser, whether big or small, casual or fancy, because at the end of the day its about family and enjoying a meal together. And, why not give back while doing that? Sharing food with loved ones is always a special occasion and its even more special when it raises f...unds to support families staying at Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon. Yvonna gathered her friends and hosted a Home for Dinner last year in support of RMH BC. Although this year will look a little different with physical distancing recommendations in place, she still looks forward to hosting another Home for Dinner. Hosting a Home for Dinner event is the perfect way to elevate a meal with those you love even into something more meaningful. Instead of bringing something for dinner, have your guests donate to RMH BC, so families with sick children can continue to share meals and moments together while they heal. Find out more about Home for Dinner presented by Beedie: https://rmhbc.salsalabs.org/homefordinner/ #HomeForDinner #keepingfamiliesclose #homeawayfromhome

Our families know how a simple cup of coffee can help them enjoy a moment of quiet or get them through a busy day of hospital visits. Now, for the month of September, a cup of coffee can raise essential funds to help those families stay together. For every purchase of McCafe 100% Ethically Sourced home coffee, $1 will be donated by Keurig Canada and go towards Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada up to an amazing $50,000! Share the warmth at participating retailers and at Keurig.ca/mccafe.

Emma and her mother Jessie have stayed at RMH BC over 50 times for various tests and treatments. One thing they can always count on is that the House is there to welcome them when they need to stay in Vancouver. One of Emma's favourite things to do at RMH BC is to bake with her mother, just like they would at home. In the House, they can usually be found in the fully-stocked kitchen where they have kept up their routine of baking. Their way of supporting other families is by... leaving freshly baked treats at the Front Desk to share. To their family, sharing food is love and you can help spread the love by hosting your own Home for Dinner in support of families. By hosting a dinner and having guests donate instead of bringing wine or a dish, you can help keep families close. Find out how you can get involved in Home for Dinner presented by Beedie: https://rmhbc.salsalabs.org/homefordinner/index.html

When first faced with the idea of social distancing and self-isolation, I struggled with not being able to volunteer and contribute like I usually do. I was also struggling with the idea that so many people still needed help. So a friend and I decided to share places that really needed the extra help, particularly due to all volunteering being suspended and cancellations of all traditional fundraising methods. Among them for me was, of course, RMH BC. Once I realized how ea...sy it was to set up a direct donation link through Facebook, I decided to make a call out to my loved ones to support the house and thankfully they responded! Gabby is one of our Volunteer Shift Leaders and set up a successful Facebook fundraiser! Setting up a virtual fundraiser for your birthday, anniversary or any other celebration is easy and it supports BC and Yukon families! Find out how: https://rmhbc.ca/virtual-fundraising/

We’re feeling the fall season approach in the House and that means its harvesting season! There are several outdoor gardens at RMH BC that provide fresh fruit and vegetables for all the kitchens. Normally our volunteers play a huge role in our gardens, lending a hand to grow, tend and educate kids in our Dirt Therapy program. Since our volunteers aren’t currently in the House, families have been stepping up to take care of the gardens.

In our staff spotlight, we are sharing more about the people who work behind the scenes to make the House feel like home for all of our families. Today we meet Sarah, a world traveler, avid Canucks fan, recipe connoisseur and our Director of Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorship. She is passionate about creating meaningful and personal relationships with our corporate supporters, inspired by the families at the House who share baked goods and always take the time to check in o...n each other. Read more: https://rmhbc.ca/staff-spotlight-sarah-luong/

We’re cheering on our Vancouver Canucks as they get ready for their crucial game 5 today! Thank you Bo Horvat and Holly for the generous donation of hockey tickets to every 2020 home game this season, offering families the chance to experience the Vancouver Canucks as #HorvatsHeroes. Our families had many exciting moments following the team throughout the season and the games were extra special thanks to your donation. Go Canucks Go!

Sharing a meal with loved ones is always a special occasion and it’s even more special when it raises funds to support families staying at Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon. That’s what Home for Dinner presented by Beedie is all about. By hosting dinner and having guests donate instead of bringing wine or a dish, you can help RMH BC provide a place to stay for families who need to travel far from home when their child requires life-saving medical treatment. Host a dinner or ...attend our virtual celebration at https://rmhbc.salsalabs.org/homefordinner/ #HomeForDinner

Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets to our first ever online 50/50 presented by RLC Park Services. Your support of this campaign helped grow the pot to a total of $73,350! Congratulations to our 50/50 winner who took home half the pot, coming to a total of $36,675. The remainder of the proceeds help support BC and Yukon families who must travel to seek essential medical treatment. Find out about other opportunities to support RMH BC: https://rmhbc.ca/get-involved-2/

In July, we celebrated 6 years in our 73-bedroom House and our families joined in on the festivities by decorating their doors. Families with a seriously ill child have a comfortable and welcoming place to celebrate special moments when they stay at RMH BC. One of the things families appreciate about the House is that they have a place to share birthdays surrounded by their loved ones, just like they would at home. Supporting families by setting up a birthday fundraiser on Facebook is easy! Find out how you can help raise funds to keep families close during your birthday: https://rmhbc.ca/virtual-fundraising/

Today RMH BC supporters would have been teeing off at the 28th Annual Vancouver Island Golf Tournament. One of the highlights of the tournament is always the 50/50 draw and although this year’s event was cancelled, you can still get on the 50/50 fun from home by purchasing tickets for our online draw presented by RLC Park Services! The jackpot is over $72,000 and the winner takes home half, with the other half helping provide a home away from home for families from Vancouver ...Island and beyond at RMH BC. Ticket sales end at noon today and we’ll be drawing the winner this afternoon, so get them before they’re gone! https://rmhbc.rafflenexus.com/a/fb Thank you to everyone who has purchased 50/50 tickets already and to our incredible golf community that has raised over $80,000 through our Putt It Forward campaign this summer in lieu of our two annual golf tournaments. We can’t wait to see you back on the golf course next year!

Tomorrow is the last day to purchase your ticket for RMH BC’s 50/50 presented by RLC Park Services. Getting your tickets online is easy and you could take home half of the pot, which has now exceeded $63,000! The other half of the pot benefits the House and families who must travel to seek life-saving medical care for a seriously ill child. Get your tickets today: https://rmhbc.rafflenexus.com/a/fb Tickets must be purchased before 12 pm on Friday, August 14. Ticket purchases must be 19 years or older and a resident of British Columbia. Know your limit. Play within it.

Today is #InternationalYouthDay and we are celebrating the engagement of our younger generation who have shown that they are willing to be champions for causes that they believe in. We are fortunate to receive the support of active and engaged youth who are passionate about fundraising. Our young supporters from BC and Yukon communities like to create their own innovative campaigns, such as organizing car washes, selling custom-designed golf towels or hosting virtual gaming ...tournaments, all while helping raise awareness and funds for the House. Looking for ways to get our youth involved? We created a youth toolkit with some suggestions: https://bit.ly/3iByvJI #keepingfamiliesclose #homeawayfromhome

There are only four more days to get your tickets for Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon’s 50/50 presented by RLC Park Services. Purchase your tickets online for a chance to take home half the pot, with the other half supporting BC and Yukon families. Help us build the pot to $60,000 while supporting families who must travel far from home to seek essential medical treatment. Get your tickets today: https://rmhbc.rafflenexus.com/a/fb Tickets must be purchased before 12 pm on Friday, August 14. Ticket purchasers must be 19 years or older and a resident of British Columbia. Know your limit. Play within it.

You may remember Angus and his parents from our birthday celebration in July. We’re happy to send the Corbett family on their way home to Summerland, BC after staying 137 nights at RMH BC. It is the first time they've been home since coming to Vancouver in March for Angus' treatment. Have a safe journey!

At RMH BC, one of our favourite events of the year is the Okanagan Dream Rally. This year the Okanagan Dream Rally is taking a pit stop, but we are still celebrating the incredible impact of the event over the past 4 years. The House fills with fun, laughter and excitement as we race our mini supercars! Thank you to the August Family Foundation, August Luxury Motorcars, the drivers, the generous sponsors, and outstanding organizations and individuals who support this event each year. #keepingfamiliesclose #homeawayfromhome #okanagandreamrally #changealife #saywhat #lucky