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 15 Ronald McDonald Houses, 17 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and 1 Ronald McDonald Care Mobile in Canada help more than 25,000 families annually stay close to their sick child and the care they need. RMHC Canada is proud to be part of a global network that serves 5.5 million children annually.
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 385,000 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 5.5 million children annually, across 64 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.
373
Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide
259
Ronald McDonald Family Rooms worldwide
49
Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles worldwide