They say every great gathering ends up in the kitchen.

When chef Michael David is prepping and cooking the meal, it’s pretty much a given.

A chef for more than 24 years, Michael will now be making a difference for families with seriously ill children at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Toronto.

Michael is bringing his vast experience to RMHC Toronto as the Manager of Food Services on the Family Services team.

He says that, despite his diverse experience, one of his most challenging roles was heading the kitchen at a retirement home.

“Imagine cooking for everyone’s grandmother, except they all do it better than you,” says Michael with a laugh.

He says he was drawn to RMHC Toronto by the idea of serving families caring for their sick children.

“It’s the mission. I was really drawn here by what RMHC Toronto does and making a difference,” says Michael, a graduate of the Culinary School at George Brown College.

With experience at, among others, 360, the restaurant high above the city in the CN Tower, and York University’s Schulich School of Business, Michael brings innovative ideas and a diverse range of culinary skills to RMHC Toronto, including a love of Asian and Latin American food.

“We are thrilled that Michael has joined RMHC Toronto as Manager of Food Services,” says Jacquie Ferguson, Director of Family Services. “Michael brings many years of experience as well as an understanding of how meals are an important part of our mission of keeping families with seriously ill children together during challenging times.”

Since the pandemic began and the resulting cancellation of the Home for Dinner program and reduced capacity in the communal kitchens, RMHC Toronto’s caterers have done amazing work in providing meals for families three times a week, along with seasonal meal celebrations.

Michael says he’s looking forward to helping to ease the stress of families whose children are receiving care in hospital.

“RMHC Toronto has a clear vision and it’s achievable,” he says. “There’s a lot to be said for achieving your goal every day. Food helps provide comfort, which is essential when your entire being is wrapped up with a sick child. It can be difficult to take care of yourself, so having meals provides nutrition, but also gives families the freedom to do what they need to.”

That sounds like a recipe for helping to keep families together.