Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon (RMH BC) improved several spaces within its Vancouver House, through contributions by members of the B.C. building and design community. The renovations include an upgrade to the playroom and teen lounge as well as a mural installation in the outdoor sport court.
This year, RMH BC celebrates eight years in its 73-bedroom House on the campus of BC Children’s Hospital (and over 39 years of operation in Vancouver, B.C.). As part of the original House design, RMH BC’s playroom, teen lounge and outdoor sport court were created to provide welcoming spaces for children and teens receiving life-saving treatment.
“We aspire to offer engaging and inspiring play spaces for children of all ages, as part of our core mission to support every family that stays at Ronald McDonald House,” says Richard Pass, CEO. “We are so grateful to our community and many donors who made these transformations possible. Many moments of joy and excitement await kids and families, now and in the future, as they explore these refreshed and reimagined spaces.”
Designed by Jamie Banfield Design and built by Alair Homes, the RMH BC playroom engages children in various activities from dress-up to kitchen preparation, to grocery shopping at the “McDonald Store.” The teen lounge was reimagined by longtime supporter Cathy Radcliffe, her design team as well as Margot Jagger of Wilson Road – who infused the room with an atmosphere of cool and calm. In addition to a soothing colour scheme, the lounge features new furniture and artwork, as well as updated games and activities.
On the RMH BC grounds, the outdoor sport court has been transformed with a mural installation by California-based B.C. artist Elyse Dodge. Titled “Panorama Ridge,” which refers to a stunning viewpoint in Garibaldi Provincial Park, the installation evokes the weighty obstacles faced by children and families staying at RMH BC, as well as the “peace, clarity, and hope” that the House aims to provide.
“Organizations like Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon play an essential role in the lives of families who are faced with unimaginable circumstances,” says the Stephens family, currently staying at RMH BC. “The environment around us has such an impact on both our mental state and emotional wellbeing, so it means everything to have designers take the time to create surroundings that are calming, uplifting and welcoming for both kids and parents. On behalf of our family and others who call RMH BC home, we would like to say thank you to Jamie Banfield, Alair Homes, Cathy Radcliffe Design, Wilson Road and Elyse Dodge for helping transform the House into an even more incredible home-away-from-home.”
