The Rotary Club of St. Catharines South, and May Court Club of St. Catharines, Raise Over $200,000 for Niagara Ronald McDonald House Charities Family RoomThe Rotary Club of St. Catharines South and the May Court Club of St. Catharines proudly hosted the “Because We Care” fundraising event on October 5, 2024, at Club Roma, bringing together over 200 community members to support families facing medical challenges at the Marotta Family Hospital. The event successfully raised over $200,000 to enhance the newly opened Ronald McDonald Family Room, a vital sanctuary for families in need.
During the early planning stages for RMHC SCO’s Niagara Family Room, the team shared their vision with the Rotary Club of St. Catharines. The club fully embraced it, rallied support from 12 other clubs in the region, and even brought in another service club, the May Court Club of St. Catharines. Together, they committed to fundraising for the construction of the new Family Room and to helping kick-start operational funding.
The funds raised will go directly toward the construction and ongoing sustainment of the Family Room, which provides essential services such as daily meals and a comforting environment for more than 150 visitors each day from the pediatric units at the St. Catharines hospital.
The new Family Room, located on the fourth floor of the Marotta Family Hospital, offers a respite for families in crisis, featuring cozy sitting areas, a kitchenette, laundry facilities, and programming for
children. It is a vital resource for families navigating their most challenging times.
For more information on how to support the Ronald McDonald Family Room or to get involved, please visit rmhcsco.ca or https://rotarysouth.ca/page/because-we-care
- Cathy Henry
The evening featured both silent and live auctions, with exciting items up for bidding, including vacation stays in Jamaica and Florida, a cask of whisky from a renowned Scottish distillery, unique art pieces, and various donations from local Niagara businesses. The Ukesters and Chorus Niagara Children's Choir performed at the event, adding a delightful musical backdrop to the evening's festivities. Many generous donations were pledged during the gala, including a remarkable donation from Niagara resident Diane Bond.
Erin Middel, an alumni mum of the Ronald McDonald House, shared her heartfelt testimony: “Staying at Ronald McDonald House made everything a little bit easier on our family. As a family who used RMHC for 61 days until moving to a NICU closer to home, I can genuinely say that this place is doing amazing things for so many families—a place for families to stay close to their child during one of the hardest seasons they will endure.”
Cathy Henry, Chair of the Because We Care Campaign, expressed pride in the community's efforts: “We are so proud to be able to support Niagara children and families with this project. Because We Care is a culmination of 10 months of hard work by many Rotarians and May Court members, and we are not done yet!” Penny Dickenson, President of the May Court Club of St. Catharines, added, “We are honoured to be a part of this community-driven effort to provide families with the care and support they need while their children are in hospital.”
Mario De Divitiis, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario, highlighted the
collaborative spirit of the event: “Tonight is such a beautiful example of families helping families. It feels so special to watch the Niagara community come together to support so many families right here in our community.”