Smith Family Smith Family
The Smith family, RHMC Toronto

About RMHC

Find out more about who we are and what we do.

In Canada, 65% of families live outside a city with a children's hospital. So, if a child gets sick, they have to travel for treatment. The 16 Ronald McDonald Houses and 17 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in Canada help more than 25,000 families annually stay close to their sick child and the care they need.

RMHC’s vision is a Canada where families stay close to their sick children.

Our Story

For nearly 40 years, RMHC has played a vital role in helping keep families together while their sick child is treated at a nearby hospital. Since our inception, we have supported more than 425,000 families on their journey. As the needs and experiences of the families we serve grew, so did we—both in our facilities, and in our programming.

1974

The first Ronald McDonald House opens in Philadelphia, inspired by Kim Hill, a little girl who was battling leukemia.

1977

McDonald's Canada founded McHappy Day to raise funds for RMHC and other local children's charities. It is now celebrated around the world.

1981

The first Canadian Ronald McDonald House opens in Toronto.

1982

RMHC Canada is established as a foundation of everlasting support to Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada.

1992 - 2010

RMHC houses & family rooms built out across Canada.

2004

McDonald's Canada established the Happy Meal donation program, which remains a cornerstone of funding for programs across Canada.

2007

The first Ronald McDonald Family Room in Canada was built.

2012

The first Ronald McDonald Care Mobile arrived in Canada to provide healthcare to underserved communities in Alberta.

2016

The very first Ronald McDonald House inside a Hospital in Canada opened in Windsor, Ontario.

2020

Today, are 33 RMHC programs across Canada, serving thousands of children and their families every year. Kim Hill remains the inspiration at the core of RMHC.

RMHC Canada is proud to be part of a global network serving millions of families annually, across 60 countries and regions. Globally, RMHC’s vision is a world where all children have access to medical care and their families are supported and actively involved in their care.

380+


Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide

265+


Ronald McDonald Family Rooms worldwide

40+


Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles worldwide