Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is a non-profit organization established in 1974. The organization's mission is to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families.

History

The first Ronald McDonald House was opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1974. It was inspired by Kim Hill, a child who was battling leukemia, and his family's struggle to find affordable accommodation near the hospital where he was being treated. The idea was championed by Philadelphia Eagles football player Fred Hill, Kim's father, and Dr. Audrey Evans, a pediatric oncologist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Programs

RMHC operates several core programs: Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. These programs provide a supportive environment for families during a child's hospitalization, offering a place to sleep, eat, relax, and find support from other families in similar situations.

Ronald McDonald House

The Ronald McDonald House program provides a "home-away-from-home" for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little to no cost. As of 2020, there are over 375 Ronald McDonald Houses in more than 64 countries and regions.

Ronald McDonald Family Room

Located in the hospital, the Ronald McDonald Family Room provides a place for families to rest and regroup right at the hospital, close to their sick child.

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile

The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program offers cost-effective medical, dental and health education services in underserved communities.

Funding

RMHC is funded through the generosity of donors, including individuals, companies, and foundations. The largest corporate donor is McDonald's Corporation, which provides ongoing financial support, in-kind donations, and volunteer resources.

See also

• Charity (practice)
• Children's health
• McDonald's