If you caught our CEO's recent television interview, you've already heard the exciting news: is launching a campaign to build our very first outdoor playground.
The project is being made possible through a transformational $500,000 gift from Ralph and Susan Sgro, through the Lindsay's Loves Fund at the Burlington Community Foundation, established in memory of their daughter, Lindsay (Sgro) Bridge.
Each year, hundreds of children call our House home while their families navigate a serious illness or medical treatment. While parents focus on hospital appointments and caring for their child, children still need opportunities to laugh, explore, imagine, and simply be kids.
Today, our House doesn't have a dedicated outdoor playground. This new space will create more than a place to play - it will provide moments of joy, connection, and normalcy for children and families during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
Designed to be safe, accessible, and welcoming for children of different ages and abilities, the playground will help families spend meaningful time together outside the hospital environment while staying close to the care they need.
"This playground represents so much more than swings and slides," said Mario DeDivitiis, Chief Executive Officer, . "Families come to Ronald McDonald House because their child is seriously ill – not because they need a playground. But we know healing is about more than medical care. It is also about creating moments where children can simply be children and families can make happy memories together. This playground will provide exactly that, and we are deeply grateful to Ralph and Susan Sgro and the Lindsay's Loves Fund for making this extraordinary gift possible."
The project reflects the vision behind the Lindsay's Loves Fund, which was created by Ralph and Susan Sgro to honour the life and legacy of their daughter, Lindsay Bridge. Lindsay was known for her love of people, meaningful conversation, the arts, and her unwavering belief in building community. Through the Fund, the Sgro family supports initiatives that promote the well-being of children and families while expanding access to opportunities that enrich young lives.
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Interested in helping make this dream a reality? We'd love to hear from you. To learn more about supporting the playground campaign, please email fundraising@ronaldmcdonaldhouseSCO.ca.
Watch our CEO's interview below to learn more about the vision behind Dream. Build. Play.
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