Catherine Bridgman brings her charity experience to Toronto.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Toronto is pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Bridgman to the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective today.

As RMHC Toronto welcomes Catherine, the organization is also celebrating their 40th Anniversary.

RMHC Toronto first opened its doors to families on June 14, 1981 and was the first Ronald McDonald House in Canada. The original RMHC Toronto House was located at 365 Dundas Street West and had 19 bedrooms for families with a child receiving cancer treatment at a local hospital. RMHC Toronto has since grown to an 81-bedroom House at 240 McCaul Street, as well as seven Family Rooms in five hospitals across the GTA and in Sudbury.

“I’m delighted to welcome Catherine Bridgman to the RMHC Toronto family, and I know her experience and passion will make a positive impact. Our 40th anniversary is a great opportunity to celebrate our legacy, and I’m confident that Catherine will be a great champion to lead our efforts to help even more families in the future,” said Kristy Carscallen, Chair, RMHC Toronto Board of Directors. “I would also like to thank Candice Gurwitz who has been serving as interim CEO during this transition. Her guidance and leadership have been invaluable.”

Catherine is an innovative business leader and has served as the CEO of RMHC South Central Ontario since June 2015. She brings with her an extensive knowledge of the RMHC system and passion for the mission.

“I am honoured to be joining the RMHC Toronto team and am deeply passionate about advancing our mission of keeping families close,” said Catherine. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the staff, volunteers, donors, and the Board to build on the charity’s legacy of care and compassion.”

Catherine is taking on the CEO position from Sally Ginter, who has relocated to the Okanagan Valley after five impactful years at RMHC Toronto.