Volunteer Opportunity

In recognition of the anniversary of Rotary International. The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids participates in “Days of Caring”.

One of this year’s “Days of Caring” projects will be taking place at the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan on Monday, February 12th.  3 volunteers are needed to make dinner and dessert for residents of from 4:00-pam-6:00pm.

If you are able to volunteer, please contact Jim Siegel.

Mission
To provide a “home-away-from-home” for families of children traveling to Grand Rapids for their child’s medical or mental health treatment.

History
The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Since then more than 350 Houses have been licensed around the world … all with the common mission of keeping families close as their children receive medical or mental health treatment.

The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan (RMHWM) opened on March 23, 1990. The 19,000 square foot facility was designed specifically as a Ronald McDonald House. Located on five park-like acres, the House has seventeen bedrooms with private baths; two are isolation equipped and three are handicap accessible. Common rooms include a large family-style kitchen with four complete cooking areas, a dining room, great room with fireplace, sitting room, sunroom overlooking the backyard that has a playground area and walking path and children’s play house, a laundry room, and recreation room.

Overview of the House
RMHWM registers over 300 families each year. While guests arrive from counties throughout Michigan, other states, and even foreign countries, the majority of the families served reside in the West Michigan area. Families stay at the House for 18 nights, on average, though we have had families stay with us for close to a year. We usually have 35-45 guests at the House each night.