April Spotlight- The Ronald McDonald House
When the world feels overwhelming, it’s easy to forget how much good is happening close to home. People Helping People is our way of spotlighting the Portlanders who are showing up, making a difference, and reminding us that we all have something to offer. Hope isn’t something we wait for, it’s something we build together, and all across the city, you will find examples of people reminding us that the most powerful force for change is the simple, human act of people helping people.
“Simply being there for people, whether it is asking if they want to say “Hi” to my therapy dog, Hami, cleaning up after dinner, or folding laundry, might seem small, but it’s something we can do to support each other.”
-Cam LeBlanc, Ronald McDonald House Charities Volunteer
Interview with Cam LeBlanc, Volunteer, Ronald McDonald House Charities
One of the hardest experiences a family can face happens when a young child is hospitalized. The Ronald McDonald House is a critical support piece for parents and families by providing a comfortable and calm place for families to rest and recharge while children are undergoing care at Maine Medical. These Families are able to access, at no cost, comfortable rooms, prepared meals, private work stations, and family gathering rooms to help support the families and the children during this difficult moments.
The Office of Economic Opportunity was honored to come together as a group to make a dinner-time meal for families staying in the house. Afterwards, we had the opportunity to chat with Cam LeBlanc, a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, alongside his therapy dog Hami, about the work that he does supporting and caring for the families at the Ronald McDonald House.
Please share a bit about the Ronald McDonald House and the work you do.
Ronald McDonald House Maine hosts House programs in Bangor & Portland that welcome families traveling far from home for their child’s medical care to stay for free overnight. They also support Family Rooms that allow parents on the pediatric floor to access resources just steps away from their child’s hospital room. They exist to ensure that no parent sleeps in their car to be close to their baby in the NICU, that families aren’t traveling hours each day for their child’s cancer treatment, and that no child has to forgo critical specialty care because a hotel stay is too expensive.
What brought you to Ronald McDonald House?
A group of friends invited me to help cook a meal at the Portland house, which led to helping with fundraising events. I spent a bit of time in the hospital as a kid, and as I got older, I realized the stress it must have put on my parents and siblings when we had to go to Boston from here, especially for surgeries that I had to stay overnight for. The mission is true, the impact of volunteering is easy to see, and the staff are good people doing great things. When my friend Kate asked if I was interested in volunteering with her every other Wednesday night for three hours, it was an easy decision to increase my involvement and become a House volunteer on a regular shift.
Cam’s Therapy Dog, Hami
Can you share a bit about the role volunteers play in your work?
Volunteers genuinely enable our organization to succeed. Through their time, effort, and emotional support, they help us use financial resources more efficiently. They are the heart of Ronald McDonald House.
What does a typical volunteer shift at the Ronald McDonald House look like?
There are so many ways that volunteers can be involved. For some, a shift can be helping clean a room after a family has checked out, organizing a free resource area, being a welcoming face at the front desk, or cooking a meal for families staying.
What is something that gives you hope?
The services the House programs provide are so necessary, supporting families in situations we all hope to avoid. Simply being there for people, whether it is asking if they want to say “Hi” to my therapy dog, Hami, cleaning up after dinner, or folding laundry, might seem small, but it’s something we can do to support each other. The staff’s passion motivates us, and the impact we see when volunteering or through notes guests leave is the ultimate confirmation that we are making a difference.
Get Involved!
What advice would you give to those interested in volunteering or looking to build and support your community?
There is so much meaningful and rewarding work to be done! Ronald McDonald House offers many ways to get involved and will work with you to find the perfect fit. We want to make sure you feel the time you spend with us is important (because it is!), so we meet with each individual and ensure your unique abilities are put to the best use.
Want to learn more or get involved? visit www.rmhcmaine.org/volunteer/to find out how!
We hope these stories help you remember that no matter who you are or what you care about, there’s a role for everyone in building this community. Reach out to us with your story of #PeopleHelpingPeople or let us know how you’d like to help, and we can help connect you with an opportunity that is right for you!