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Everyone has a story. Whether it’s generic or unique, everyone has moments in their lives that define who they are. These moments shape who you are and tell your story.
Sometimes these moments in our lives are good, but sometimes they’re not. Even in what could be the worst thing that can happen to someone, there are still positives in those moments, no matter how small or brief.
This is what the Ronald McDonald House is for some people. For over 50 years, the organization has cared for families going through difficult times while their children undergo hospital treatment. It gives people a home away from home to help them weather their storm.
Not just for American families, but also Canadian families, like those living in Eastern Ontario. Because of Ronald McDonald House’s partnership with La-Z-Boy, our local showrooms in Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston were able to help families in Ottawa by providing comfortable furniture while they stay at this home away from home.
In this article, find out more about the Ronald McDonald House in Ottawa and the project that has touched the lives of families going through some of the most difficult times.
In This Article...
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How La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston Helped Bring Comfort to Families in Need
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How La-Z-Boy Impacted a Family’s Stay at Ronald McDonald House Ottawa
About Ronald McDonald House Ottawa
The Ronald McDonald House story begins in 1974, when former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hill partnered with co-founder Dr. Audrey Evans to create a place of support for families while their children were receiving medical care at nearby hospitals.
While this was just an American corporation at its inception, the organization expanded internationally, including locations in Canada, Australia and the Netherlands.
The Ronald McDonald House first opened its doors in Ottawa in 1984 and has been part of a network of 16 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada.
According to Christine Hardy, chief executive officer of Ronald McDonald House, the Ottawa location could accommodate up to 14 families at a time. However, due to their expansion, the newly renovated house can now accommodate up to 36 families at a time, almost double the number before.
“We maintained a lot of the warmth, the comfort and the love our original house had, while adding some new benefits that families need today,” she says.
Why is Ronald McDonald House Important to the Ottawa Community?
Picture this: you’re the parent of a child who is suffering from a life-threatening health problem. You obviously wanna do what you can for your child because you want to see them get through this.
The only problem is that the hospital is over 2 hours away, and it's one of the few places near you that specializes in this sort of treatment. Maybe even longer due to Ottawa traffic. It would feel exhausting, wouldn’t it?
This is what the Ronald McDonald House helps out with. While it may not offer the same support system as your home network, Ronald McDonald House helps bring families together by providing comfortable accommodations, warm meals, entertainment centers, and social events, ensuring they don't feel alone during hard times.
As Christine says, “When your child is sick, home isn’t just where you live. It’s where you feel supported.”
When a family’s life is turned upside down, Ronald McDonald House provides the physical and emotional comfort they need. That’s why it is so important for the community at large.
How La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston Helped Bring Comfort to Families in Need
According to Cecile Panet-Raymond, sales manager and La-Z-Boy designer for the Ronald McDonald House project, La-Z-Boy and Ronald McDonald House have partnered in Ottawa for over 17 years. During that time, they have given over 16,000 pieces of furniture to more than 150,000 households across North America and internationally.
When La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston heard about the Ronald McDonald House expansion, they knew they had to jump on the project and help out as much as they could.
One of the first things Cecile thought of when designing the rooms for the house was the families. “Not just the parents. Not just the children that are ill and going through what they’re going through, but also the siblings that are healthy.”
Cecile also consulted with Carol Harper, the director of operations at Ronald McDonald House Ottawa, to help her see her perspective of what she sees every day while facilitating these families. “She provides comfort and love daily, so she really knew what the families were gonna need.”
After she got what she needed from Carol, she concluded she should furnish the new room with furniture of all shapes and sizes, since this is what the families needed as well. A place to recline. A place to cuddle with your children. A place to sprawl out while playing video games or reading a book. And of course, a place to build community.
Throughout the home, you’ll notice reclining furniture like the Finley Furniture Family, modular pieces from the stunning Tahoe Sectional, lovely decorative accent chairs like the Maeve and the Allegra, and large cushions from the Paxton Sectional and Meyer Furniture Family.
“I think I speak for everyone in the organization when I say we cannot express the pride and joy we felt being part of such an important project in our community. There are no words,” she says.
How La-Z-Boy Impacted a Family’s Stay at Ronald McDonald House Ottawa
Because of the generous amount of furniture donated by La-Z-Boy, the families have felt the impact numerous times. In fact, Tanya and her son, Seth, shared their thoughts on the newly renovated home as guests.
Seth was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 15 years old. While the treatments seemed to be working and brought him into remission, the cancer came back two years later, which made them have to start the process all over again.
Being from Beachburg, Ontario, their family would often have to drive 2 hours from their home to Ottawa so Seth could get the treatment he needed at The Ottawa Hospital. But, thanks to the Ronald McDonald House, they don’t have to worry about travelling so far.
Because of Seth’s ongoing treatments, the Ronald McDonald House was able to provide him and Tanya with a place to stay close by for two months.
During their stay, Tanya expressed how happy she was with the warm welcome the staff gave her and her son, as well as the openness of the rooms where she, Seth and other families could socialize.
“We even had a family dinner one night with four other families in the new large kitchen they built in the expansion, and all the kids and adults all ate together. It felt like home,” Tanya said.
Seth found himself happiest in the gaming room, where he’s often seen playing NHL26, playing a round of ping-pong with his mother, or using one of the quiet spaces to talk to his friends at home. Tanya appreciates that they both have a space to escape the negative aspects of Seth’s life for a short time while also recovering with high-quality La-Z-Boy furniture.
Overall, even though Tanya and Seth both miss being at home, they were able to feel at home in a space that felt meant for them. “This place gives you that sense of security and that sense of safety where you knew you had a space that was here for you that didn’t feel like a hospital,” Tanya says.
What's Next?
At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston, we were honoured to contribute to the well-being of the families staying at Ronald McDonald House. While it may not be either family's home, we are happy that families feel they have a home away from home.
If you would like to support Ronald McDonald House and contribute to community impact, visit the Ronald McDonald House Ottawa Website to learn how you can help or make a donation today.
In company with the Ronald McDonald families, everyone deserves comfort. If you are looking to bring warmth and style into your own home, we invite you to visit one of our La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston showrooms or book an appointment online.
We also offer virtual appointments, so you can shop from the comfort of your home. To see more design stories similar to this, take a look at our Design Stories Page.
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