Hundreds of families with sick or injured children have had a home away from in Windsor, thanks to the Ronald McDonald House.
In just one year of operation, the house as provided overnight stays for 122 families with the longest stay lasting 73 nights. On average, families stay around 13 nights. The house also offers comfort day passes providing a place for naps or nourishment throughout the day. Over the year 619 families have taken advantage of that program.
"It's hard for families when their kids are in hospital, and they're worried about their child. But taking that break, getting away from the noise and the busy environment, is really, really important," says Chief Executive Officer Tracey Keighley-Clarke.
She says the Windsor house is the only Ronald McDonald House within the walls of a hospital and that has created a unique relationship with patients and staff.
"Our house in London is 165 steps from the hospital. For some families that 165 steps is just too far away from their children. So having it within the hospital, I think for families it's not as difficult to step away," says Keighley-Clarke. "When you think of the neo-natal population that we're doing a lot of support for in Windsor, those kids need to be fed every couple of hours. So being within the hospital just one floor away makes a significant difference."
She says they are always in need of volunteers at the house for their dinner program. They also accept donations to stock the cupboards with food for the families for breakfasts and lunch.
