Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta is set to break ground on March 31 at 1 p.m. at the house site at 3908 Gaetz Avenue in Red Deer.
The three-storey house will be used by sick children receiving treatment at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and their families.
Before the project starts fundraisers hope to have $8-million in place — or 80 per cent — of the $12-million needed.
“Right now we’re just over the $6.5 million mark,” said Claire Griffin, communications manager for Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta. She said they feel they’ll be able to get to the $8 million point by the end of the month.
“We’re really confident that is going to happen. The capital campaign cabinet have had several meetings with members of the community and different organizations in Red Deer and surrounding areas and there has been a lot of interest in supporting Ronald McDonald House, so we’re definitely confident we’ll hit that mark,” Griffin said.
Griffin said the economy has definitely been a challenge, which all non-profit groups have felt. “But we’re really thankful. The community has been really really supportive of what we’re doing so we just can’t thank them enough during these tough times.”
The Red Deer Elks BPOE #85 were the most recent group to come forward with a substantial donation on Monday night. The Red Deer Elks Lodge will give $200,000 to Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta over a five-year period.
Colin Tettersell, exalted ruler of the Red Deer Elks Lodge, said the money will be used for the magic room, which is a place for children recovering from chemotherapy and other treatments. The room will be stocked with games and stuffed animals and it will give the children a place to relax.
Tettersell said the local Elks Lodge helps in many other ways around the community, but the group was looking for a big project to become involved with.
Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraising initiative can contact Leslee Burton at 403-340-2007 or at leslee@rmhcentralalberta.org.
sobrien@www.reddeeradvocate.com