Thorndale Dental Centre donates time and gives back to Ronald McDonald House in London

Thorndale Dental Centre staff at the Ronald McDonald House kitchen in London.

By Nancy Abra

The staff at Thorndale Dental Centre recently volunteered alongside the chefs at Ronald McDonald House in London.

“I strongly believe it is important to give back when we can,” said Dr. Nicholas Massé of the Thorndale Dental Centre.

A few years ago, Massé’s then two-month-old son, Oliver, went into medical distress and he had to be rushed to the hospital. Oliver was in emergency care for five days. It is here where Massé and his family were introduced to the in-hospital Ronald McDonald House area. It provided a space to retreat for some quiet and comfort while he and his wife, Allison, could be close to Oliver as he gradually recovered.

Lindsey McLeod Finkbeiner, a dental hygienist at Thorndale Dental Centre, also shared Ronald McDonald House was her and her family’s home for 34 days when her daughter was gravely ill.

“It was very important we were close to her during this time, and I am so grateful for the compassion we received during our daughter’s recovery,” she said.

“It was a home away from home; not a sterile atmosphere of a hospital facility but a cozy welcoming home.”

There are 16 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada. The house in London serves southwestern Ontario with their mission of providing “essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need health care.”

These efforts are supported by the partnership with McDonald’s restaurant through their McHappy Day campaign and in-store donations. As well, they are supported by volunteers and charitable donations to cover costs of nightly stays and meals.

For the last five years or so, the Thorndale Dental Centre has donated to Ronald McDonald House in London.

“Instead of having a staff Christmas party, we make a financial donation to them for food supplies,” Massé said. “Then we go and volunteer approximately four hours or so to work with the chefs there to prepare a supper meal for 80 to 90 people. It is so rewarding and a fun team-building experience, but more importantly, we are giving back to help other families.”