The House That Love Built
By Jerri Chong
President, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii
As we begin the new year, we reflect on the good times shared with family and friends and give thanks to the place we call home. And, for 25 years, the Ronald McDonald House has been a “home away from home” for thousands of Hawaii families.
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The Ronald McDonald House has served more than 10,000 families and provided 100,000 nights of lodging. It’s the love, aloha, support and countless volunteer hours from our friends, neighbors and businesses that have kept our two houses in Manoa Valley and the Ronald McDonald House Family Room at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children open.
Like many other Hawaii nonprofits, we understand the current economic climate will present fundraising challenges in 2013, but our spirit and commitment to serve Hawaii’s families will not waver. Hawaii is and always will be a giving state. Our generosity is unmatched.
I’m frequently asked how someone can help. You can become a volunteer. There are a multitude of opportunities for volunteers, from cleaning and cooking in the houses to driving children and parents to and from the hospital.
McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii continues to be one of our biggest supporters, with various in-store fundraisers.
For every Happy Meal or Mighty Kids Meal purchased, 5 cents goes to the Ronald McDonald House.
In addition, feeding your loose change to the canisters on the counters or at drive-thrus goes a long way.
We are blessed to have so many people in our extended family and want to thank you for the many ways in which you help RMHC fulfill its important mission.
To see all the other ways that you can pitch in, please visit ronaldhousehawaii.org.
