Two brothers set off on cross-Canada drive in support of Ronald McDonald Houses
Alex Wong and his brother Mark embark on a journey to visit every Canadian RMHC House and Family Room and raise $20,000 for families with sick children
VANCOUVER, Aug. 29, 2017 /CNW/ - For many families with sick children, travelling to a hospital far away from home can be a long journey. Last week, Alex Wong and his brother Mark began their own long journey in support of the 25,000 families each year who stay at Ronald McDonald Houses across the country to be close to their sick child.
The trip was conceived while Alex was volunteering at the RMHC House in Vancouver, BC. There, he met Brooke Malakoff, a young teenager with cancer. Though she was far away from home and facing an incredibly difficult battle, Alex was inspired by her positive outlook and moved by her continuing passion for giving back to the community.
Tragically, Brooke lost her battle with cancer. Her spirit of generosity however lives on in Alex, and in her memory he and his brother hope their cross-country drive will make a difference for the thousands of families like hers who have benefited from the support and care of RMHC.
"Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House was a life-changing experience," says Wong. "I hope Mark and I can inspire people across the country to take part in more community initiatives and to give back in the spirit of community."
A tribute to families
Having started in Victoria, BC, Alex and Mark are driving across Canada to St. John's, Newfoundland. But they won't just be raising $20,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada, the national foundation of support for RMHC Houses and Family Rooms coast-to-coast. They're also planning on visiting all 15 of the Houses and 16 Family Rooms along the way, paying tribute to the staff, volunteers, donors and—most of all—families.
"We are deeply grateful to Alex and his brother Mark," says Cathy Loblaw, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities. "Together they're showing us the meaning of families helping families and are inspiring each of us to help RMHC families across Canada."
Every year, Canada's Ronald McDonald Houses and Family Rooms help families find the comfort and care they need while their sick child is being treated at a nearby hospital.
"What I learned from Brooke was that it's up to all of us to keep pushing ourselves to better our communities," continues Wong. "We can't always be at home, but by making a difference one family at a time, we can help build the feeling of home wherever we are."
To follow Alex's journey, visit RMHC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RMHCCanada/
To donate in honour of Brooke and the 25,000 families across Canada who find a home at RMHC, please visit https://www.rmhccanada.ca/fundraiser/360.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities® Canada (RMHC Canada)
RMHC Canada is the national foundation of support for Canada's 15 Ronald McDonald Houses, 16 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and 2 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles across the country. Collectively, these programs support over 25,000 families each year, providing access to quality health care and enabling family-centered care. All, by keeping families close – one family at a time.
The 15 Ronald McDonald Houses across the country provide a home for out-of-town families whose children are being treated at a nearby hospital, while the 16 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms offer families a place to rest and recharge right inside the hospital. Completing our circle of support are 2 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles, mobile health units that bring medical care to underserved communities in Alberta.
As our founding and forever partner, and RMHC's largest donor, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada, their franchisees and guests, generously provides over $10 million annually to help support the RHMC network of programs for families with sick children across Canada. For more information, visit: www.rmhc.ca.
SOURCE Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada
Media contacts: For more information, contact: Allison Goodman, 416-642-7943, [email protected]
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