For families with a child receiving medical treatment far from home, comfort can make all the difference.
That’s the role Ronald McDonald House Ottawa has played for decades, providing families with a welcoming place to stay while their children receive care.
When Ronald McDonald House Ottawa expanded its home to serve even more families, La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston was proud to help furnish the space with comfortable furniture designed to make it feel like home.
This partnership highlights the impact Ronald McDonald House Ottawa has on families across Eastern Ontario, and how La-Z-Boy helped create spaces that offer comfort during life’s most challenging moments.
About Ronald McDonald House Ottawa
The Ronald McDonald House story began in 1974, when former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hill partnered with co-founder Dr. Audrey Evans to create a place of support for families while their children were receiving medical care at nearby hospitals.
While the organization began in the United States, it has since expanded internationally, including across Canada.
Ronald McDonald House Ottawa first opened its doors in 1984 and is now part of a network of 16 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada.
According to Christine Hardy, Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Ottawa, the original home accommodated 14 families. Following its recent expansion, the newly renovated house now welcomes up to 36.
“We maintained a lot of the warmth, the comfort and the love our original house had, while adding some new benefits that families need today,” she says.
Ronald McDonald House in the Ottawa Community
Imagine learning that your child needs specialized medical treatment available only hours from home.
Along with the diagnosis come long drives, time away from work, financial pressures and the challenge of being far from home.
Ronald McDonald House Ottawa helps ease that burden by providing comfortable accommodations close to the hospital, along with warm meals, gathering spaces, entertainment areas and opportunities to connect with other families facing similar circumstances.
As Christine says, “When your child is sick, home isn’t just where you live. It’s where you feel supported.”
La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston Brings Comfort to Families in Need
When La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston learned about Ronald McDonald House Ottawa’s expansion, the local team knew they wanted to help create spaces where families could truly relax together.
According to Cecile Panet-Raymond, Sales Manager and La-Z-Boy Designer for the Ronald McDonald House project, La-Z-Boy and Ronald McDonald House have partnered in Ottawa for more than 17 years. During that time, La-Z-Boy has donated more than 16,000 pieces across 150 Ronald McDonald Houses in Canada and Internationally.
One of Cecile’s priorities was ensuring the new spaces worked for every member of the family.
“Not just the parents. Not just the children that are ill and going through what they’re going through, but also the siblings that are healthy.”
To better understand their needs, Cecile also worked closely with Carol Harper, Director of Operations at Ronald McDonald House Ottawa.
“She provides comfort and love daily, so she really knew what the families were going to need.”
With that insight, the design focused on spaces to recline, cuddle with a child, stretch out with a book, play games or simply gather together after a difficult day.
Throughout the home are pieces from the Finley, Tahoe, Maeve, Allegra, Paxton and Meyer collections.
“I think I speak for everyone in the organization when I say we cannot express the pride and joy we felt being part of such an important project in our community. There are no words,” Cecile says.
A Family’s Stay at Ronald McDonald House Ottawa
The impact of the newly renovated home has already been felt by families like Tanya and her son, Seth.
Seth was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 15 years old. While treatment initially brought him into remission, the cancer returned two years later, requiring the family to begin the process all over again.
Living in Beachburg, Tanya and Seth faced a two-hour drive whenever Seth needed treatment at The Ottawa Hospital. Thanks to Ronald McDonald House Ottawa, they were able to stay close to the hospital for two months during his treatment.
During their stay, Tanya spoke about the warm welcome from staff and the inviting common spaces.
“We even had a family dinner one night with four other families in the new large kitchen they built in the expansion, and all the kids and adults all ate together. It felt like home,” Tanya says.
Seth enjoyed the gaming room, whether playing NHL 26, challenging his mom to ping-pong or catching up with friends back home in one of the quiet spaces.
For Tanya, having comfortable spaces to rest together provided moments of normalcy during an incredibly difficult chapter.
“This place gives you that sense of security and that sense of safety where you knew you had a space that was here for you that didn’t feel like a hospital,” she says.
Overall, while Tanya and Seth missed being at home, Ronald McDonald House gave them a place that truly felt like a home away from home.
What’s Next?
By helping furnish Ronald McDonald House Ottawa’s expanded home, La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston helped create welcoming spaces where families can find comfort while staying close to the care their children need.
If you would like to support Ronald McDonald House Ottawa and the families it serves, visit the organization’s website to learn more about its work or make a donation.
If you’re looking to bring that same sense of comfort into your own home, visit one of La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston’s showrooms or book an appointment online. Virtual appointments are also available.
To see more stories highlighting local partnerships and inspiring design projects, explore La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston’s Design Stories.
