Employee Volunteers From Hallmark Canada Prepped Meals for Families at Ronald McDonald House

In 2017, Canadian Hallmark employees participated in the “Home for Dinner” program in support of the Ronald McDonald House in Toronto. The employees provided volunteers and funds to prepare and pay for a dinner, which fed 130 family members. In all, the dinner donation totaled $1,500, with an additional monetary donation of $4,700 given to the Ronald McDonald House.

“Participating in the Ronald McDonald House ‘Home for Dinner’ program was a very moving experience,” said Shaunagh McParland, retail operations and technology manager, Hallmark Canada. “Having the opportunity to hear and see firsthand the difference this program makes for families dealing with serious health issues was extremely impactful.”

In addition to cooking the dinner, the volunteers decorated the dining area with a beach theme and provided the children with a sand pail full of treats and candies for them to share. Hallmark employees interacted with the families, providing a wonderful opportunity to understand the role of the Ronald McDonald House.

A team from Hallmark Canada has been participating in this program during the past three years. The goal of “Home for Dinner” is to give families staying at the Ronald McDonald House a break from cooking each night and to have a hot meal prepared for them after a long day at the hospital. It also allows families an opportunity to connect with other families staying at the House in a more relaxed, social environment.

Learn how Hallmark supports its employees who want to make an impact in their community in the full 2017 Caring In Action Report.