Who We Are

Kim Hill

History of Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities was born out of the unlikely partnership of Dr Audrey Evans, an oncologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, McDonald’s and the American Football team, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Fred Hill, a player for the Philadelphia Eagles, had a daughter, Kim suffering from leukaemia, which prompted the team to raise in excess of $100,000 dollars to support the hospital. This was met with much gratitude from Dr Evans and her team but also with a request for another $32,000 to fund a house in which the families of the children in the hospital could get proper rest, away from the ward.

In turn this request was met by Ed Rensi, an area manager for McDonald’s. The company was using the Eagles’ players as part of an advertising campaign and offered to donate the proceeds from their ‘shamrock shake’ to the cause. In return Ed asked that the house be known as the Ronald McDonald House. So it was, that on 15 October 1974, the first Ronald McDonald House opened its doors. In the intervening years Ronald McDonald House Charities has spread across the world, forming new and independent branches in over 60 regions and countries. There are now 359 Ronald McDonald Houses in 42 countries worldwide. 210 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and 49 Care Mobiles. From small beginnings ……….

Ronald McDonald House Charity Ireland – The Present

The first Irish Ronald McDonald House was opened in 2004 on the grounds of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital.

The Ronald McDonald House provides long term accommodation, care and support for families from all over Ireland whilst their children are seriously ill in Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

Since the House opened in 2004 we have been a home to over 3,000 families from all over Ireland. The House has 16 ensuite family bedrooms, 3 kitchens, a dining room, a TV room, a toddlers’ room and a utility room. We also have an outdoor play area for children and a small garden. There is also a 4 bedroom house situated directly across from the main house at 45 St. Mary’s Drive, Crumlin which provides an additional 4 family bedrooms. It currently costs €400,000 p. a. to run the House. This money is raised each year through our many fundraising events with support from the public and families and friends of those who have stayed with us. We have never received any state funding.

Ronald McDonald House Charity Ireland – The Future

We are currently working with The New Hospital Group Board, The Development Board of the New National Children’s Hospital and the HSE with a view to opening a 53 bedroom Ronald McDonald House alongside the new hospital when it opens in 2020. The cost for this new facility will be in excess of €16 million.

New 53 Bedroom Ronald McDonald House

New National Children’s Hospital