REALTORS® Association of Edmonton Serves Up Comfort for Families Far from Home at Ronald McDonald House
On October 23, 2025, members of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton (RAE) came together for their REALTORS Care® Day, dedicating their time to supporting families staying at the Edmonton Ronald McDonald House while their children received critical medical care at Stollery Children’s Hospital. Organized in partnership with the REALTORS® Community Foundation, this day rallied REALTORS® to help create comfort, community, and care for families far from home.
11 REALTOR® volunteers participated in the Home for Dinner program, preparing, cooking, and serving a warm homemade meal to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton. . After long hours spent at the hospital supporting their seriously ill or injured children, families returned to a freshly cooked dinner, a simple gesture that offered both nourishment and relief during an incredibly difficult time.
“So many of the families who stay here are under enormous pressure. They are away from work, still have bills at home, and yet must find a way to care for their children and feed their families,” said Sharon Gregresh, member of RAE’s Board of Directors. “Ronald McDonald House gives them a place to be together, and by coming here to cook and provide groceries, our group is able to help ease a little bit of that burden. It is humbling, it is a blessing, and it means so much to be part of this with my colleagues.”
The Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton serves families who must travel from across Alberta, often hundreds of kilometres, to access medical care for their children. Each year, thousands of families stay at Ronald McDonald Houses across the province, benefiting from the support, community, and stability these homes provide. The organization offers private suites, shared kitchens, and family spaces designed to create a “home away from home,” allowing parents and siblings to find comfort and strength together during their hospital journeys.
“Sharing a meal means more than food—it’s a moment of care, community, and hope when families need it most,” said Jen Van Buskirk, Program Supervisor at Ronald McDonald House Edmonton.
RAE’s REALTORS Care® Day marked the second day in a row that saw REALTOR® volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House. By coming together in the kitchen, REALTORS® helped create moments of connection for families calling the Ronald McDonald House their home away from home.
“As REALTORS®, we spend our days helping families find a place to call home, and experiences like this remind us of the gravity and importance of what ‘home’ truly means,” said Melinda Chisholm, President of the REALTORS® Community Foundation. “It’s not just walls and a roof; it’s love, care, and community. Serving dinner to families staying at the house, who are facing some of their toughest days while their children receive care at the Stollery, gives us a chance to bring a little more comfort and kindness into their world.”
The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton’s support of Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta is one example of how REALTORS® are making a meaningful impact beyond real estate. In addition to volunteering their time, members also raised $606.06 to help support RMHC Alberta’s family programming and ongoing operations. Each year, in addition to volunteering and strategic partnerships, the REALTORS® Community Foundation grants more than $300,000 to local charities that provide safe, accessible housing and foster inclusive communities. Together, they are united in their mission to make Edmonton a stronger, more connected place to call home.
