House Programs

Ronald McDonald House Charities Newfoundland and Labrador provides accommodations for children, their siblings, and their parents, who travel to St. John’s for medical treatment and care at the Janeway Children’s Hospital. Ronald McDonald House is more than just “a place to stay” it is truly a Home.

Through the help of volunteers from community organizations, corporations and individuals Ronald McDonald House Charities Newfoundland and Labrador  provides the very best programs and services for families. Our unique kitchen design gives families the choice to prepare their own meals, just as they would at home, or participate in our meal program. Program Donors prepare nutritious home-cooked meals for families, right in our kitchen.

At Ronald McDonald Houses we know that families rely on each other and draw strength from one another as they share their difficult and uncertain times together. Our House provides plenty of opportunities for families to share experiences, to develop friendships and to gain a network of support.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Newfoundland and Labrador prides itself on providing families with a happy, caring and loving home to they can focus on what matters most, accessing the medical care and resources they need for their sick child.

We invite you to help with any of our programs: More information

Family Support Programs

The cornerstone of Ronald McDonald House is its family support programs. Our programs will offer the best support possible for families and will include:

Accommodations – Ronald McDonald House Charities® Newfoundland and Labrador provides accommodations for up to 15 families with a sick or injured child each night within steps of the hospital.

Home for Dinner Program – With the help of individuals, corporate and community groups, we offer families the ability to return from a long stressful day at the hospital to a home-cooked meal 4-5 times each week. Groups plan the menu and prepare the meal in our fully equipped kitchen.  Options include scheduling Breakfast to Go, Lunch to Go, Home for Dinner.

Just Like Nan’s Baked Goods Program – Nothing feels like home more than the smell of fresh baked goods. Individuals, corporate and community groups bake on-site to ensure Ronald McDonald House is always stocked with special treats or Breakfast-to-Go items fresh from the oven, just like at Nan’s house.

Warm Welcome Program— Our Families Services team provide a warm welcome for all the families that come through our doors.  During the check in process families are provided with RMHC information, a guided tour and ongoing support during their entire stay.   As part of the Warm Welcome process, our families will receive a Warm Welcome Bag. Each branded welcome bag, holds toiletries, information regarding the surrounding neighborhood, a personal medical journal, home-made quilt(s) and an age-appropriate surprise for each child. Providing a warm welcome goes a long way in helping a family feel at home, so they can focus on what matters most,  healing their sick or injured child.

Keeping Families Connected Program – Being away from loved ones for an extended period of time can be very difficult and create added stress. To help keep families connected to home while staying at Ronald McDonald House, families will have access to a Home Office, wireless Internet, computers/tablets, email, and long distance calling & community newspapers. Families can also access special flights and discounts through partnerships with WestJet Cares for Kids Program and PAL Airlines.

Magic Room Program – The Magic Room is a very special place the children staying at Ronald McDonald House get to visit at least once during every stay, primarily at check out. The Magic Room also provides a special surprise for when they have a successful surgery, are celebrating a special event or even if they had a rough day. The kids get to enter the Magic Room and leave with a brand new gift and a very big smile!

Special Day Celebrations Program – Just like home, preparations are made to ensure, birthdays are celebrated, everyone gets treats at Hallowe’en and visitors like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny arrive on schedule.  There are many celebrations scheduled throughout the year.

House Pantry Program – Not every family arrives at Ronald McDonald House for  a scheduled medical appointment  or treatment, often it can be because of medical  emergency.  Helping families adjust to life in another city, far from home with a sick child, the House Pantry Program provides a variety of staple items, including milk, eggs, butter, bread, etc along with non-perishable food items such as canned foods, baking supplies, cereals, and pastas as well as a variety of toiletries items, laundry and cleaning supplies.  Together, with the help of generous donors families have access to a fully stocked House Pantry, House refrigerator and House freezer which are available to families while staying at Ronald McDonald House.

Recreation Program – Ronald McDonald House has its own resource center fully stocked with books, craft supplies and games. It also has children’s play areas, including the Family Time Theatre to enjoy video game play and movies. Ronald McDonald  House has its own outdoor playground called Family Time Park for children and families to play and enjoy quality family time.  Ronald McDonald House is also conveniently located next to The Grand Concourse; an integrated walkway system, Our families also benefit from time to time with donations to Ronald McDonald House of tickets or passes to local sporting events, fitness centers, movies, special events or concerts.