Carri Akre and her daughter Neveah Reid have been staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon off and on for nearly a year — since Neveah was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer.
The two witnessed the house transition from old to new as recent renovations added an additional 30,000 square feet to the home.
“It has been such a blessing for us — especially because we have nowhere to go,” said Akre. “The expansion is the best part of it because, when we were here last year in the small house, we would call and we would have to wait weeks to get in.”
The Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan — sitting on the corner of Clarence Avenue North and University Drive near the University of Saskatchewan — accommodates families of sick children who have travelled to Saskatoon to receive medical treatment.
The house first opened almost 30 years ago and major renovations began in 2012.
“By 2007, Ronald McDonald House was turning away one in three phone calls,” said Tammy Forrester, executive director for Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan.
“We just didn’t have the space to hold the families and to keep the families here.”
The initial fundraising goal for renovations was $10 million, but people and businesses all over the province pitched in and raised $12.5 million. The remaining 20 per cent needed to complete the renovations were paid by Ronald McDonald House charities.
The expansion features 21 new rooms —bringing the total to 34 — as well as playrooms, a fitness centre, laundry rooms, seven sitting rooms, a computer area, a community pantry and two fully equipped kitchens.
“They can kind of leave that hospital feel behind. I think that’s important,” said Forrester. “People come through the front doors of the house and there is, sort of, a sense of, ‘I’m home.’ ”
Neveah and her mom are one of 23 families currently staying in the home. Akre said the extra space is appreciated.
“You’re not always running into them, like in the small kitchen in the other house, it was like you were always cooking around somebody,” Akre said.
“But it’s nice. I like having the families to talk to when you need somebody to talk to, and to cry to when you need somebody to cry to, who will actually understand what you’re going through.”
A few finishing touches are still needed on the home’s renovations, but they are expected to be complete by mid-October.
