SASKATOON — A famous children’s Christmas movie quote perfectly describes a Christmas fundraiser at Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon. “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”
This is the mandate organizers of the fourth annual “Whoville in the Garden” are embracing to help fundraise for this home in Saskatoon that offers families a place to stay while children are in hospital.
Even the Grinch was quoted saying he could use a little social interaction, and that’s exactly what this holiday fundraiser offers visitors and supporters.
It is free to attend Whoville in the Garden with donations gratefully accepted. Visitors will be treated to hot cocoa as they tour the display. There is a fire pit set up with cozy spots to sit under the magical lights.
“This activity has been incredibly successful since we launched it,” Ashlyn Yablonski, Development Manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan says.
“It is a way for families staying at RMHC-SK to enjoy some holiday cheer but also a way to invite the community to come to RMHC-SK to celebrate some holiday cheer and learn more about who we are as an organization.”
Yablonski says Coca-Cola is supporting the event by matching all donations made up to $7,000.
“Last year, $28,992.90 was raised at this event,” says Yablonski.
It takes volunteers about 100 hours to set up the Whoville in the Garden and man it through the 21-day run of the seasonal activity. RMH Saskatoon says they are fortunate to have all volunteer shifts filled, with a waitlist of those willing to help if needed.
“Amazing volunteers help support this fundraiser and fun-raiser.”
The RMHC-SK Christmas event is shared through word of mouth, radio, social media, the website rmh.sk.ca as well as an e-blast from their organization to all their supporters they have emails for. No special invitation is required.
“The support through Whoville helps us to provide care, support, accommodations, food and programming for families that are travelling 40 kilometres or farther out to access medical care for their sick child. The cost for a family to stay at RMHC-SK is $10 a night. The actual cost for us to provide care and support to families is more than $150 per night. Every donation helps us to ensure families have the supports they need so they can be present and able to support their sick child while they are away from their homes, jobs and support networks,” says Saskatoon’s Ronald McDonald House.
Yablonski says there will be many special bonus activities throughout the month, and all will be highlighted on their social media accounts. There will be a 4x4 toy drive light, a walk/run light up tour, Santa and the Coca-Cola holiday truck will attend Dec. 1 and 21. and the 21.
“Our founding and forever partner, McDonald’s, donates about 25 per cent of our annual budget,” she explains.
“We rely on the support of the community corporate and local donors to help raise the additional 75 [per cent] of our budgets.”
Organizers and volunteers at the event say seeing the families' faces light up when they see the display, the laughter they share and the magic of the holidays right in front of their eyes while helping support RMH Saskatoon is special.
Those interested in this holiday activity are encouraged to go to the website rmh.sk.ca, call 306-244-5700 as well as follow their Instagram and Facebook pages to keep up to date on everything Whoville-related throughout the month.
“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” — Peg Bracken
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