Volunteers Help Strengthen Families
Ronald McDonald House Volunteers around the world find many special ways to help strengthen families and promote healing when families need it most. During this anniversary year, join us in celebrating the compassion, empathy, and innovation of over 172,000+ global Ronald McDonald House volunteers around the world!
For over two decades, a program called “Love Companions” in Hong Kong has been helping families navigate the complexities of having a child who is seriously ill. Volunteers were all once guest families themselves, so they know exactly what families need. They host music and art classes, cooking activities and outings for families to help promote healing. Sometimes they’re just someone to talk to, or a shoulder to cry on.
“Love Companions” was the idea of one mother who was motivated to give back to Ronald McDonald House after her child passed away. Grateful for the support her family received while her son, Ho-Wang was ill, she encouraged several other Ronald McDonald House families to join her in accompanying new families on their journeys. Today there are over 450 “Love Companions” at Ronald McDonald House Hong Kong.
In Mexico City, two special furry volunteers named Sac and Roco help reduce stress, improve moods, and encourage conversations among families served by Ronald McDonald House Mexico. When Eder, a boy from Cuernavaca who is wheelchair bound, first saw Roco and Sac pass by, he struggled out of the chair so he could pet Sac.
Eder’s father said, "Seeing my son excited to pet the dogs and get up from his wheelchair was a hopeful moment for me and my family." Many Ronald McDonald House programs around the world invite therapy dogs to come play with their guest families to help promote healing and comfort.
Ronald McDonald House Southwest Florida serves many guest families who have newborns in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU). Their volunteers focus on helping mothers feel special after their child’s premature birth. The team organizes baby showers for mothers and their NICU babies, filling their space with joy and optimism during a time or uncertainty.
One grateful mother shared: "You gave us something we thought we would never have. This day was truly memorable. Thank you for celebrating our babies with us!"
Volunteers in Poland found unique ways to give families a way to release stress by using technology in the hospital. Children and their families at the Warsaw Medical University Children’s Hospital can escape their stressful medical environment by participating in virtual travel adventures like exploring space, cycling through Cambodia, climbing Mount Everest or exploring Tuscany, Italy.
“Thanks to the volunteers who run this program, our children were able to move to a completely different place for a moment, to forget that they were in the hospital.”
Caring for tens of millions of families with children who are ill or injured, over the course of 50 years, might seem like a daunting task. But thanks to our enormous pool of generous Ronald McDonald House volunteers in 62 countries and regions, no family is ever left behind.
Bookmark ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org/Our History for monthly stories of Ronald McDonald House impact since 1974.
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“Having already endured trauma during the evacuation from Afghanistan, keeping the families together was our top priority.”
“The Ronald McDonald House was extraordinary. The staff was extremely kind and it truly is a home away from home.”
These partners and their consistent steadfast support is essential to our ability to help families around the world feel at home…even when they can’t be.
“It was great to all be together when my brother was sick. When we visited him at the hospital, he was always smiling and happy to see us.”
“Ronald McDonald House helps keep families together and feel supported throughout their journey.”
“Sophia and Yuri found a community of support in other families going through similar situations.”
“It was such a relief because the girls were very compromised in the beginning and it just allowed us to focus on them.”
“The smiles on their faces were priceless and motivated me to continue volunteering.”
“We are grateful to be able to count committed partners like Cargill®.”
“When Juliana was hospitalized, we could rest knowing we were just steps away from her hospital bed thanks to Ronald McDonald House.”
"Thankfully, our valued partners recognize that now more than ever, the Ronald McDonald House system is reliant on their support."
“Ray Kroc Heritage Society donors continue the legacy of Ray Kroc, in whose memory Ronald McDonald House was founded.”
“I am honored to be entrusted with leadership of this truly superb organization.”
"I have to be here by her side."
“We found more than a roof over our head, we found our family."
“This is more than a place to sleep and eat…a place to be supported together.”
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“The gift of being together just makes you feel like you’re going to be okay.”
“We found comfort in spending time with family and newfound friends.”
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