On Sunday January 14th 2024, the Sugar Kings will be hosting the Listowel Cyclones at the WMC for their annual charity game. The jerseys you will see the Kings wearing that are generously sponsored by Whiteway Construction will be going up for auction after the game and all proceeds will be supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario. Our auction takes place in the Community Room at the WMC, start is approximately 4:30pm following our afternoon game. Our auctioneer is Gerald Bowman and payment methods accepted are cash, debit, and credit card.
You can learn more about our chosen charity Ronald McDonald House Charities and our sponsor Whiteway Construction below.
If you’d like to support Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario directly, click here to do so.
A background on RMHC:
Ronald McDonald House Charities® South Central Ontario (RMHC®SCO) is part of a network of 15 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada. They provide a home away from home for families of children who are seriously ill and being treated at nearby hospitals. Built in 1993 and located next to McMaster Children’s Hospital, RMHCSCO is independently owned and operated by Kid’s Care Oncology Central West Ontario and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, managed by a small staff team and supported by a full complement of dedicated volunteers. Try to imagine being a child with a chronic or life-threatening illness – frightened, hurting, questioning. Now try to imagine being a parent – short on answers, long on helplessness and scared beyond words. What both need most are each other. RMHCSCO provides families in crisis a home to everyday moments when life is far from ordinary.
RMHC White Family Story:
The White family and Whiteway Construction have a special place in their hearts for Ronald Mcdonald House.
For over 100 days in 2008 and 2009 the founders of Whiteway Construction, Tim and Brenda White were fortunate enough to have a safe and comforting place to stay when their son (and current CEO of Whiteway Construction) Gavin was being treated for Guillain-Barré syndrome. Their whole family had a place to stay at RMH Hamilton at some point over the 5 month period Gavin was being treated.
After noticing many symptoms such as numbness in his hands and feet, strep throat, mobility issues, dropping things and having little energy, Gavin and his family knew they needed to get him looked at. After being misdiagnosed and his symptoms worsened they were sent to McMaster Hospital in Hamilton where he was eventually diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
GBS is a rare disorder where the body’s immune system damages its own nerves. The damage to the nerves causes muscle weakness, and in Gavin’s case, causing him to be unable to walk and have trouble breathing. The only thing not affected were his eyes and ears. Because they had waited so long to get a diagnosis, the window of a quick recovery had passed and as it was deemed Gavin had a chronic case of GBS. After many treatments and ups and downs Gavin started to heal and was able to start therapy to get him back to his old self.
The White family lives in Elora which was over an hour drive from the hospital and Gavin. They had looked into hotel rooms or rentals but this would add a huge financial burden to their family. They had 3 other children at home so they had to divide and conquer. Brenda was staying with Gavin and Tim would drive back and forth to take care of the family at home. This is where Ronald McDonald house came in…
“When we were introduced to the possibility of a room at RMHC, we were extremely relieved. I was sleeping on a chair in Gavin’s room at the hospital. The staff were extremely kind and compassionate. The room was fabulous. We could not believe the amenities we were given at RMHC. Having a warm and clean house to go to for a sleep, meal, shower and to rejuvenate was an immense benefit to our mental and physical health. We were grateful and hopeful to be given a room at RMH Hamilton” – Brenda
“The fridge was always full, the staff was incredibly nice. A memorable moment was visiting the secret room at Christmas filled with toys for the kids. We thought, are you serious? They have already done so much and now this, we were overwhelmed with emotions. “ – Tim
Being right down the street from the hospital it was their home away from home and a place to take a much needed break with their family. Many people helped in Gavin’s recovery and supported their family including Gavin’s employer… Mcdonalds!
McGavin Day was held at the Elmira location where many of his friends, family and community came out to support with all the proceeds going to RMHC.
The White family continues to say thank you and show their support to other families with sick kids. With the added support of Whiteway Construction, they have been sponsoring a room at RMH Hamilton for other families to call home away from home.
It seems the two words “thank you” are greatly inadequate for the kindness and tender loving care we received from the RMHC staff. Thank you a thousand times and more, you are AMAZING
Love & Hugs
The White Family
Whiteway Construction Contribution to RMHC:
Whiteway Construction and the White Family – RMHC SCO Room Adoption Impact – 2023
We hope you can join the Elmira Sugar Kings, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Whiteway Construction on January 14th to support a great cause!
