RMHC Toronto is a special place to be during the holiday season

The Taylor family spent last Christmas 4,000 km from home, in and out of the hospital while their youngest daughter, Laurel, recovered from a lung transplant. And yet, it was one of their best holidays in memory. They spent it together at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Toronto.

“The atmosphere during the holidays is almost magical,” says Laurel’s mom, Michelle. One of the highlights for Laurel and her big sister, Brianne, was meeting their favourite fairy tale characters.

“If we had to be away from home, this was the place to make us forget we were missing our family and friends.”

Every year, the dedicated “elves” at RMHC Toronto do everything they can to make the holidays a joyful time of year for the families we support. This year, they’ll be making Christmas crafts, baking cookies, caroling and hearing holiday stories from around the world. On Christmas Eve, families at the House will gather in the lounge to paint a huge sign that says “Santa: Stop here!” We’ll then hang it across the front gate so Santa can see it from the sky.

The Taylor family will get to spend the holidays at home in Quesnel, B.C. this year, as Laurel is recovering well from her transplant. But they look back fondly on the “magic” they shared at our House.

“Celebrating Christmas at RMHC Toronto was the first happy memory we had after Laurel got sick. We’re so grateful we got to spend the holidays together in such a wonderful place.”

We’re grateful to our donors, who make it all possible.