Fundraising and construction are on target at Red Deer’s Ronald McDonald House, slated to open in the summer of 2011.
Volunteers and staff visited the site on Wednesday morning to receive a donation of $50,000 from Calgary-based Gibson Energy and its affiliate, Canwest Propane.
Gibson Energy’s core values include playing a role in the communities they serve, president and CEO Stew Hanlon said during the presentation.
The cheque brings fundraising that much closer to the goal of $12 million for the project, said Lyn Radford, chair of the fundraising campaign cabinet. The committee has raised $10.5 million and hopes to reach its goal by Christmas.
While fundraising progress has slowed somewhat during the summer, committee members plan to kick into high gear in September, she said.
Claire Griffin, communications manager for Ronald McDonald House Southern Alberta in Calgary, said the project is on time, with site work now complete.
The speed at which the project proceeds will depend on how well the weather co-operates, she said.
The 12-suite structure will provide temporary housing for families whose children are being treated for critical illnesses, including cancer, at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.
Facing southwest and backing onto Gaetz Avenue, the building will be located southeast of the hospital on the corner of 39th Street and 51st Avenue.
bkossowan@www.reddeeradvocate.com