10 Years of giving back to Ronald McDonald House

By Wendy Lamond

Last week, Laura Parkinson turned 10.

That means for 10 years in a row, the Parkinson family has been collecting Easter Baskets, supplies and cash to donate to the Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario. Thanks to the generosity of family and friends, this year, the Parkinsons were able to deliver 44 Easter baskets, $1,000 in pantry and cleaning supplies and $500 cash.

The South Perth Centennial Public School Grade 1/2 class also donated $325 from their Easter Egg Hunt towards this year’s fundraiser.

When Laura was born, she had to spend some time in London in the NICU. Mom and dad, Jessica and Scott Parkinson, stayed five nights at the Ronald McDonald House to be close to their cute little redhead and realized at the time what a wonderful place the house is for those families who need comfort during a rough time.

With Laura being born at Easter, the annual fundraiser was a great way to give back with some Easter love, starting a tradition that has carried on for a decade. Just knowing that there is a place like the Ronald McDonald House available is a great source of comfort.

Some other members of the Parkinson family recently had to spend some time at Ronald McDonald House, making this year’s donation even more meaningful.

“What an amazing community we live in,” Jessica Parkinson said. “Thank you to each and every person who has contributed over the years. We will never forget the comfort we felt when we stayed there.”

For now, the family hopes to continue this tradition into the future.