London's Ronald McDonald to double in size thanks to $1.7-million donation on 40th Anniversary
Ronald McDonald House in London has announced plans to expand in the wake of a significant donation.
The declaration coincides with the 40th anniversary of the facility, located next to Children's Hospital on Baseline Road East.
'This is a transformative gift of over $1.7 million,' said Matthew Chater, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario.
The money comes from the estate of the late Lorie and Don Hoad, who gave no reason for their in their will for the donation, beyond fondly remembering date nights at McDonald's.
Ronald McDonald House
Donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario in London, Ont., on Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
As the cheque was unveiled Thursday afternoon, those gathered learned Ronald McDonald house will double in size in the coming years.
Chater said the expansion is needed as nearly 500 families, with children battling life-threatening and long-term illnesses, were turned away in 2024.
'We've really cast a vision to expand our facility, to double in size from our current 40 bedrooms here in London to 80 bedrooms,' said Chater. 'And so we're continuing to work with our health care partners, as well as our incredible architect team, to really bring that vision to life.'
Michael Conrad, a parent of an infant child receiving treatment at a Children's Hospital, attended the anniversary celebration.
RMHC
Ronald McDonald House in London, Ont., on Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
He told CTV News London he did so to thank staff for the support he and his two older children have received since they arrived. The family home is in Sauble Beach, Ont.
'We've been here since her birth, so that's been nine days now, and it's been helpful. You never really think about these places until you need them. And then, I'll be honest, you have to start counting your blessings that they're there, especially when we were told we might be here for a while.'
A cost estimate or capital campaign to support the expansion of Ronald McDonald House, beyond Thursday donation, has yet to be announced.
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