Bruce Power’s supplier network is contributing $100,000 toward a major expansion project at Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario.
The financial gift contributes directly to the organization’s "THIS PLACE IS EVERYTHING" capital development campaign. The project will effectively double the capacity of its London facility, expanding accommodations from 40 to 80 private bedrooms. It stands as the largest redevelopment effort in the local chapter's history.
Demand for local accommodations has routinely exceeded available space since 2019, with roughly two-thirds of families across the province forced to travel significant distances to access specialized pediatric treatment. Many visiting the London program sites commute an average of 400 kilometres. The lack of space forced the charity to turn away 500 patient families seeking lodging last year alone.
The facility provides visiting families with private housing, hot meals, laundry amenities, and mental health resources to alleviate financial and logistical pressures while children undergo treatment.
“Bruce Power’s supplier partners highly value the operating principle that Ronald McDonald House SWO holds – that no family should have to choose between being at their child's bedside and having somewhere to sleep, eat, and hold themselves together while they're trying to support their child,” said Maggie Tieman, Director of Community and External Affairs at Bruce Power. “By supporting Ronald McDonald House SWO, basic necessities such as lodging, meals, emotional support and other amenities are all made available at no or low cost to families to ensure nobody is turned away in their hour of need.”
Organizers noted that despite geographical distance, the corporate partners share a common bond with regional families needing critical assistance.
“We may not share a postal code with the businesses and individuals who live, work and play in Grey-Bruce, but what we share is much deeper – a commitment to protecting, uplifting, and nurturing families so they can ensure the best outcomes for their children”, said Rachel Macaulay, Vice-President of Philanthropy and Community Relations at Ronald McDonald House Charities, Southwestern Ontario. “We are grateful that the Bruce Power suppliers recognize we are their local charity and have chosen to give generously to build towards a future where no family is turned away.”
Leadership at the non-profit highlighted how important community contributions are for maintaining seamless assistance for incoming families.
“Ronald McDonald House exists because two out of three Ontario families must travel long distances to seek medical care for their children. When Grey-Bruce families arrive in London, they depend on our house for logistical and socioeconomic relief that allows families to focus on what is most important – being together. Behind our big red doors, your region’s kids and caregivers discover a community that provides truly wrap-around care for the whole family. We could not do this without the generous support of the Grey-Bruce region, and we are grateful to the suppliers for showing up in this remarkable way,” said Matthew Chater, CEO of Ronald McDonald House, Southwestern Ontario.
