The Ronald McDonald House Charities, or the RMHC, is a non-profit organization with operations in over 50 countries. Their goal is to ensure that the basic needs of children are met while improving their overall well-being. The RMHC generates their funds through donations from private individuals and corporations, with McDonalds as their biggest supporter and donor.
The RMHC was officially established in 1984 to commemorate the life of Ray Kroc, the man who founded McDonald's and who is remembered for his passion in helping children. The RMHC has three core programs, which focus on distributing healthcare and comfort to children and families at a fair cost or no cost at all. It is part of RMHC policy to provide care regardless of a child’s ability to pay. The bill is usually covered by the donations made to the RMHC.
There are three core programs, which the RMHC focuses on, these include:
This program focuses on providing adequate care in a proper environment without worrying the patient or their families about trifle details such as food, shelter, and payment. The RMHC firmly believes that families should focus solely on the betterment of their child's health in order to achieve ideal results providing their help at little or no cost at all. The Ronald McDonald House provides a "home away from home" where families can stay nearby their child, as the RMHC believes that a parent’s love and support is important during crucial times.
These are usually within close vicinity of pediatric care units. The Ronald McDonald Family Room is a place where families rest while staying close by their children. The RMHC believes that a child's health will improve faster if their parents are present.
Within these rooms, families can rest; wash their clothes, cook food, and bathe while being close to their children. These rooms are available to all families who have a child admitted in a hospital.
These are mobile clinics, which offer varied treatments and healthcare to children. These are usually found in areas with poor health coverage. These clinics come in the form of large vehicles, equipped with the finest medical technology available.
Services vary depending on the location but they mostly include basic immunizations, checkups, dental care, visual and hearing examinations, and assorted treatments.
To date, McDonalds alone has raised hundreds of millions in dollars for their cause, greatly helping children in need around the world. Those interested in helping the RMHC can make donations or volunteer to help. The easiest way to help would be to donate some money in one of the many donation boxes found in all McDonald's restaurants, or even do simple things like buy a Scentsy Cause Buddy from Scentsy where 100% of the net proceeds from the sale go directly to the organization.