Danny and Cindy Meier of Medicine Hat (left) have donated $250,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Talking with them in the kitchen of the Ronald McDonald House in Medicine Hat are Nattie Darnell (far right), family service co-ordinator, and Cassi Hider, general manager in Medicine Hat for RMDHC.--NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
A local couple says the uncertainty of COVID-19 provides the perfect time to support local worthy causes.
Danny and Cindy Meier of Medicine Hat have donated $250,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“This is the year to do something to try to help,” said Danny, noting COVID has resulted in some tough times and donations for charities have been limited.
Danny says the new Ronald McDonald House in Medicine Hat is such a good cause and they wanted to contribute.
Cassi Hider, general manager in Medicine Hat for RMDHC, is filled with emotion as she talks about the generosity of this couple.
“To have these people in our community, individuals, do this,” said Hider.
Danny says about 40 years ago they were not as fortunate as they are today and they really understand the struggles of daily living. Young couples with children may not be able to afford a hotel room while their child is in hospital.
Cindy remembers when their daughter was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of three and needed to spend time in hospital.
“It is such a stressful time for families,” said Danny.
Determining how much money they would give was fairly easy, said Danny, explaining they simply asked their accountant what they could do this year. The couple also donated another $250,000 to the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank..
Cindy says there is no point in waiting to give after you have died if the need is current.
“If you give after you’re gone you don’t get to see the difference you’ve made either,” said Hider.
The Ronald McDonald House in Medicine Hat was announced in the spring of 2019 thanks to a donation of $800,000 from the Yuill Family Foundation to cover renovation costs. A two-bedroom home with a basement has been transformed into a 4,1000 square-foot home with six family suites plus kitchen, dining and living room.
Hider says the home began accepting people on Aug. 4. Due to COVID restrictions an official celebration of the opening is still to be determined.
Cindy says she feels “happiness” as she walks through the attractive home. Happiness that it’s available for those who need to stay there and so close to the hospital.
“The comfort of home, a home away from home,” said Cindy.
While some Ronald McDonald Houses have a high percentage of children undergoing cancer treatment, that is not the case locally. Hider says they are welcoming people connected with the NICU and parents with adolescents experiencing mental health issues.
