The local Lions Club hosted an inter-club meeting on April 2 at St. John Parish with members from the Optimists, Opti-Mrs., Legion, Masons and other groups invited. The various service clubs were invited to hear presentations from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wellington North, as well as from Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton.
Bob McIntee, president of the local Big Brothers Big Sisters, outlined the role of the organization and some history, and appealed for an Arthur representative on their board of directors.
McIntee stated that Marnie Mainland served in this capacity for many years, but has recently retired and no one has stepped up yet. Those attending heard first-hand from a Big Brother and Big Sister about experiences over the past several years with some of their Little Brothers and Sisters.
Anyone interested in serving in any of these capacities, is encouraged to visit the web-site or contact McIntee. There are many children waiting to be matched.
Many may have been expecting a visit by Ronald McDonald himself, but they weren’t disappointed listening to the enthusiasm shown by Chantell Tunney, Ronald McDonald House executive director and her colleague.
They talked about their expanded facility that can house 51 families at a time, and how their mission is to make their guests as comfortable as possible during their time of stress and uncertainty.
Every family is dealing with a grave illness of a child while they are there, and their lives and homes are completely turned upside down., according to Tunney. Everything is taken care of for them during their stay, including meals, laundry, wifi, a place to relax, a place for other kids to play, and more. They are open 24/7 and operate with a staff of only 12, but with over 450 volunteers.
Families can stay as long as they need to, for $12 per day. Tunney indicated their operating budget is $1.7 million annually, approximately 20% of which comes from events through Ronald McDonald promotions. The other $1.4 million comes from donations from individuals and corporations, she said.
Tunney added that several families from the area have spent considerable time at the facility, and encouraged the clubs to volunteer to sponsor a “Meal that Heals,” and then to bring a group that can actually help prepare and serve the meal. This attracted much interest from the clubs that heard the presentation.
Optimist President Darryl Woods thanked the Lions for hosting the meeting, and encouraged all clubs in the community to work together.
