Annual Review - Ronald McDonald House Toronto

MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENTAND EXECUTIVE DIRECTORto mind to describethe year it hasbeen – extraordinaryA bold new chapter in our 30-yearhistory began on November 18, 2011, withthe Grand Opening of the new House – a100,000 square foot jewel nestled insidea tranquil garden within a bustling city.As a testament to the remarkablededication and commitment of all partiesinvolved, the largest Ronald McDonaldHouse in the world was built on timeand under budget – truly phenomenalachievements!Throughout the course of this process,I have been privileged to witness somethingquite rare – seamless collaboration –between the architects and contractors,the construction and building teams andcountless others. The hands and heartsthat built this House have clearly beenmoved by the value of our mission.The tremendous efforts of ourvolunteer Board must also be recognized.They sat at the helm of a vigorous18-month capital campaign to raise$32.5 million, while spending untold hoursporing over governance practices, policiesand procedures to ensure the successfulcompletion of this stunning facility.To our exceptionally generous partners,donors, volunteers, staff, committees,Board and those who dared to dreambig with us – a most sincere and heartfeltthank you!John DavisPresidentWhen we set outRonald McDonaldHouse Toronto, itwas to reverse aA growing number of families seekingour services had to be turned away due toour lack of space.The new House has been welcomedwith open arms by seriously ill childrenwho arrive from out of town withtheir families to receive life-savingmedical treatment.As a recent House resident described it,“a house was built but a home was made”– a most poignant tribute to the tirelessefforts of our volunteers and staff whostrive to surround our families with thecomforts of home and a sense of normalcyto heal better together.Meeting the needs of close to threetimes the number of families in triplethe space no doubt has yielded manynew learnings. And we are responding.Our organizational structure hastransitioned to include more than28 staff and countless volunteers andcontinues to evolve.Packing up the lifetime of memories,moments and stories tucked awayat 26 Gerrard Street, was certainlybittersweet. After all, it had been thehome of Ronald McDonald HouseToronto for a quarter century.We’re now where we need to be.Welcome home.Jane MarcoExecutive Director5