Magnovo models the importance of teambuilding through charitable giving and the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte models the importance of corporate social responsibility. That’s why we’re such a formidable partnership when we join forces!
In 1974, Ronald McDonald Charities opened its first home-away-from-home for the families of seriously ill children. Many of them were in need of intensive medical care.
This first “House that Love Built,” as they are called, was established in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. How appropriate is that?
Today there are 360 houses in 43 countries. More than 10 million families have been helped and housed to date. There are currently more than 10,000 beds available to families with sick children undergoing major medical treatment.
And unfortunately, the need for these facilities never diminishes:
- Every day, 43 America children are diagnosed with cancer.
- Ten percent of American babies arrive prematurely.
- 40,000 babies are born in the United States each year with congenital heart disease.
- Right now 2,000 kids under 18 are on the national transplant waiting list for kidneys, hearts, and livers.
The importance of corporate social responsibility and vigilance
Ronald McDonald Charities stands ready to fill the breach because of this constant need, . In the early 2000s two new children’s hospitals were built in Charlotte North Carolina. Ronald McDonald Charities recognized an opportunity to help.
In 2011, the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte opened. This 35,000 square foot facility is operated by a locally-based board of directors. And the strength of their commitment is evidenced by the $2 million they raised in 2017 alone.
The importance of corporate social responsibility and volunteerism
It’s literally a home-away-from-home, the kitchen is always fully stocked! The game room is always ready for fun, and the whole environment is always warm and welcoming!
None of this would be possible without the dedicated team of 6,000 volunteers appropriately known as “the Heartbeat of the House.” They work tirelessly round-the-clock cleaning and preparing bedrooms, stocking the pantry, baking cookies, and doling out lots of healing hugs.
Most of us can’t imagine having our lives upended by a life-threatening diagnosis for one of our children. Sadly thousands of families walk through this living nightmare every day. The psychological trauma and emotional toll can be horrendous!
At the Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte, these moms and dads find a haven of peace. They get a chance to relax, regroup, refocus, and recharge there.
On any given morning they may wake up to find small gifts left outside their bedroom door. During a particularly restless night, they can raid the refrigerator at midnight. They will find it crammed with their favorite comfort foods. And at any time—day or night—they can turn to any volunteer on duty and share their feelings. And they may also find that volunteer crying right along with them!
The importance of corporate social responsibility and community
The McDonalds fast food chain can brag of having served billions and billions of burgers for decades. The Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte has served the emotional needs of thousands of parents, children, siblings, and grandparents in their facility for nearly a decade.
Ronald McDonald is more than a mascot for a fast food chain. He’s a symbol of hope, healing, and heartfelt community bonding.