Northern companies answering the call to help northern families

Work is underway to ease some of the stress for families with sick children by providing them with an affordable place to stay in Prince Albert thanks to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan (RMHC-SK) and its various donors.

“It’s been a while in the making but timing has to be right,” said RMHC-SK CEO Tammy Forrester. “Since the Jim Patterson was here, for example, it made sense for us to support the families coming to Saskatoon for healthcare.”

However, things changed about five years ago when the RMHC-SK launched its Mile-to-Go campaign to build a house in Prince Albert. The name reflects the current realities facing families in the north and the distance they need to travel to seek medical treatment for their children.

The goal is to raise $8-million and it’s about halfway there.

Thanks in part to organizations like the Athabasca Group of Companies, which recently made a $212,500 donation to the campaign.

“They have been partners and supporters,” said Forrester. “We have a wonderful relationship with them. It seemed natural for us to connect with their group and see if there might be some support through their company which they then offered. We are very fortunate in that.”

The newest house is specifically for those families who travel in from the northern communities. Many of whom will require accommodations, which can be pricey. A stay at a Ronald McDonald House is a fraction of what it would cost for at a local motel.

“It was important that we build in Prince Albert so that families have a place to stay while they are caring for their child in the hospital,” said Forrester.

Once built the 12-room, bungalow-style house will have common spaces like a dining room, kitchen, play area, meeting room, smudge room, prayer room, a backyard and will service approximately 500 families a year.

The RMHC-SK plans to break ground in early 2025 and have it built by 2026. The 4.5 acres was donated by Lake Country CO-OP, which is located on land directly across from the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.

Geoff Gay, CEO Athabasca Basin Development said agreeing to support the campaign was an easy yes for them for several reasons.

“Many people from the north stay at Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon, and we are thrilled to see plans for Prince Albert − the Gateway to the North,” said Gay.  “PA plays a significant role in healthcare for Athabasca and northern residents, so this new facility will be well positioned to help out many families in many northern communities.”

The donation was made possible with the help of the seven companies they partially own such as Flyer Electric, Team Drilling, Points Athabasca, Athabasca Basin Security, Tru North Recreation Superstore, and Optek Solutions.

“Our company is owned by communities in Northern Saskatchewan, and we look for ways to give back in ways that benefit them,” said Gay. “Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon has provided a place to stay for many northern families over the years. We also have many businesses based in Prince Albert, and it’s important to us to give back to the communities where we live and work.”

Most importantly, Gay believes this is a way to help families when they need it the most.

“It can be difficult to be away from home when your child needs care, and it’s important for us to support initiatives that benefit people in Prince Albert as well as the north,” said Gay.

RMHC-SK is still actively seeking donations to reach the $8-million goal.

Donations can be made at milestogo.ca or contacting Forrester on (306) 244-5700 ext. 110