Ronald McDonald House day at the Red Deer Advocate (photo gallery)
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: November 05, 2009 3:14 PM
The Red Deer Advocate lobby became a makeshift coffee shop on Thursday.
Ambassadors from the Ronald McDonald House organization were joined by the Red Deer Rebels at the Advocate office on Bremner Avenue in a special celebration of the $12-million house that will be built in Red Deer in coming months.
A few Rebels volunteered to sign autographs and chat with fans while visitors helped themselves to free coffee and snacks.
Larry Mathieson, executive director for Ronald McDonald House Southern Alberta, said he’s been thrilled by the support the Advocate has shown the project, most notably with a special Ronald McDonald edition printed on Wednesday.
“(The Advocate) has been great in raising awareness in Central Alberta,” said Mathieson. “Twelve million dollars is a lot of money to try to raise in a short period of time, so getting support from community leaders, service clubs and other groups will certainly help.”
Eighty per cent of the $12-million fundraising target must be reached before construction can begin, and Mathieson is hoping the home will be ready for its first families in the summer of 2011.
Red Deer Rebel Cullen Morin said he was happy for the opportunity to assist the Ronald McDonald House cause.
“It’s lots of fun, and any time we can do something to help kids and get them smiling, it’s totally worth it for us,” he said.
Ronald McDonald Houses have been built in 30 countries to provide a place for families from outside town to stay while they are coping with critically ill children or high-risk pregnancies.
Red Deer’s house will feature 11 family suites as well as play areas, a large communal kitchen and other living spaces, as well as office space for the Ronald McDonald House staff and fundraisers.
