Southern Saskatchewan will have a new resource to help out families in need as the provincial government has announced $6.5 million in funding for a new Ronald McDonald House in Regina.
Before this, the Ronald McDonald Houses were located in Saskatoon and Prince Albert, which as a facility specializes in giving spaces to families whose children are undergoing treatment in a city centre to keep them together.
"I am thrilled that Saskatchewan families will now have the option of staying at a Ronald McDonald Home when they come to Regina seeking medical care for their children," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "At a very stressful time in their lives, families will know they can rely on an affordable place where they feel welcome and cared for, while their child is undergoing medical treatment."
The current plans for the new Ronald McDonald Home in Regina will provide 20 bedrooms, a children's playroom, outdoor play space and a communal kitchen.
"The government's financial support to the house in this province is a historic moment for RMHC - SK and Saskatchewan families," RMHC Saskatchewan Chief Executive Officer Tammy Forrester said. "We are beyond thrilled that this first-ever provincial government contribution, into keeping families together during their child's critical health care journey, will enable RMHC - SK to provide wrap-around Family Centered Care. The capital investment will ensure that all Saskatchewan families will receive the support they need when they need it the most."
The new facility is planned to be built on the corner of Scarth Street and 15th Avenue, located close by the Regina General Hospital.
Families across the province have previously stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon, including those from the southeast. A new facility in Regina would allow them to be closer to home during the treatment process.
The province says that construction of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Regina will begin in March 2025 and is expected to be completed in early 2027.