When Robyn and Sean Moore were in need, the Ronald McDonald House was there for them.
They will be the face for McHappy Days on May 2 with their story being shared at the Humboldt McDonald’s in honour of the day.
Oliver Moore was born six weeks early at the beginning of September.
Because of his early arrival, he had to have an extended stay at the NICU at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.
His poor parents were left wondering where they were going to stay, to which nurses quickly mentioned the Ronald McDonald House.
“We phoned right away and just even the first phone call, we were just put at ease right away,” says Robyn.
Before mom and dad were even discharged from the hospital, they had a place to stay as Oliver gained weight and worked to reach certain goals before being discharged himself.
Being premature, Oliver needed to gain weight and strength but was experiencing no other complications. Robyn and Sean say they were lucky.
“He was so well taken care of at the hospital so it made leaving him as easy as it could be. It was difficult but we knew he was well taken care of so it was pretty amazing having the people at Ronald McDonald House taking care of us.”
Even before pulling up to the house, Robyn says she felt right at home with all the amenities ready for you, including their own space in the kitchen, all their own appliances for their use, and private sitting areas.
Whatever they do at home, they are encouraged to do, says Robyn. However, volunteers go the extra mile to check in and even spend some nights cooking for the families.
It is just amazing, she says.
They have even gone back to visit three months after their stay with staff remembering their names and getting to meet Oliver.
As one staff member said, they came home.
On May 2, one dollar from every Big Mac, Happy Meal or hot McCafé® beverage will go towards Ronald McDonald Houses and other local children’s charities across Canada.
