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Our History
The History of RMHC
Why we call it the Ronald McDonald House?
The incredible story of a little girl called Kim.
In October 1974, a brave little girl called Kim Hill was being treated for leukaemia in St Christopher’s Hospital in Philadelphia PA. While she was being treated her parents slept on chairs and ate out of vending machines. They knew that there had to be a better way for families to help care for their child.
Kim’s father Fred was a well-known football player with the Philadelphia Eagles. So, he turned to his team mates for help and began a remarkable community fundraising effort– one that continues to grow every day. He recruited the help of Philadelphia Eagle’s general manager Jim Murray who in turn asked his friend Ed Rensi for help.
Ed was regional manager for McDonald’s and offered to donate all proceeds of the now famous Shamrock Shake to the fund.
In return the House was named after the restaurant’s mascot, Ronald McDonald. And so, in October 1974, the first Ronald McDonald House was opened. And today Kim’s wonderful legacy continues to grow.
Our Mission
RMHC Ireland
The mission of RMHC, Ireland, is to provide a Ronald McDonald House in order to support families whose children are seriously ill in hospital. The Ronald McDonald House provides accommodation and a caring and supportive environment for families whose children are seriously ill and are hospitalised or undergoing medical treatment in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin.
Want to Get Involved?
There are so many ways you can support our family charity.
No matter who you are, where you live or where you can give you can help support Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland. There are so many ways you can get involved and help us to keep families close.
Whether you decide to donate, volunteer, partake in our Cooking4Families Program or shop our gift store, your support is so greatly appreciated by our families and all the team here at Ronald McDonald House Ireland.
Find out how to raise LOVE today.
