Members of the RCMP Regimental Charity Ball committee presented a cheque to Ronald McDonald House Charities Wednesday, June 26. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW Staff)
Charitable Giving

Local RCMP make significant contribution to Ronald McDonald House planned for P.A.

Jun 26, 2024 | 4:00 PM

A Regimental Ball that brought the public and RCMP together to raise money for a charitable cause has led to a $54,000 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Karen Linsley, director of development and communications for RMHC, called it an incredibly generous donation. The funds will go directly to the construction of the Ronald McDonald House in Prince Albert which will offer all the amenities and comforts of home, like bedrooms, TV areas, washers and dryers and meal programs, to families with kids 18 years and younger receiving medical care.

“Currently we have a family room located in the pediatric ward of the Victoria Hospital, but we are excited that we’ve announced we will be building a 12-room home just kitty-corner to the hospital on land that has been donated by Lake Country Co-op. The 12-room house will support all families in Northern Saskatchewan,” Linsley said.

A provincial campaign is underway to raise $22 million to help build the house in Prince Albert and another Ronald McDonald House in Regina.

“Yeah, things are going really well,” said Linsley. “We do hope to have shovels in the ground potentially by fall but it just all depends on how things advance this summer.”

RCMP Insp. Ashley St. Germaine thanked members of the Regimental Ball committee who helped fundraise along with local businesses, organizations and other donors. (Teena Monteleone/paNOW Staff)

Currently RMHC Saskatchewan provides accommodations in Saskatoon but Linsley said that only supports about 20 to 25 per cent of the families that need accommodation while their child is receiving medical treatment within the province.

A member of the Prince Albert RCMP whose family had previously used the Ronald McDonald House suggested it to the Regimental Ball committee as the charity to donate proceeds to. Inspector Ashley St. Germaine said the group was quick to agree it was the right cause to support.

“Some of us grew up in Saskatchewan and others have made it their home. But to be able to come together as a group from different backgrounds in the RCMP and do something together to give back to the community, that’s not just going to impact Prince Albert. It’s going to impact Northern Saskatchewan and many of the communities our members are in…so if we can find a way to give back in a different way that’s wonderful,” said St. Germaine. “We had a goal of $50,000 and to achieve it is just amazing.”

The funds were raised through sponsorship, donations, raffles and ticket sales from the 2024 Regimental Ball which was held in May.

panews@pattisonmedia.com

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