Ronald McDonald House has supported over 960 families in a decade

The Ronald McDonald House in Porto marked its 10th anniversary over the weekend, having so far already supported over 960 families with children undergoing hospital treatment. Located within the grounds of the São João Teaching Hospital, the "House" assists the hospital and the IPO-Porto, offering free accommodation and overnight stays throughout the year.

Able to accommodate 12 families at the same time, the Ronald McDonald House in Porto, which belongs to the Ronald McDonald Children's Foundation, supported, in 2022, over 120 households who had to travel from home to offer medical treatment to children at Hospital São João and IPO-Porto. It offered the patients and their families over 3,800 nights and 980 meals, and its volunteers provided more than 1,800 volunteered hours.

“This house is not just a physical structure. It is a symbol of love, hope, and solidarity, "said the deputy mayor during the ceremony that marked the 10th anniversary of the institution's presence in Porto. "[The Ronald McDonald House in Porto] This has been a safe and welcoming refuge for many families who have passed through here. These families, faced with one of the most challenging moments of their lives, found a safe haven here, "added Filipe Araújo.

A beacon of hope

Declaring that this “is a strong example of how solidarity and compassion can transform lives,” the deputy mayor left his wish: “that the Ronald McDonald House in Porto continues to be a beacon of hope, inspiring and helping many more families in the years to come.”

In addition to the "House", the Ronald McDonald Children's Foundation also has the Ronald McDonald Playroom in the Pediatric Wing of São João Hospital, which was visited by Filipe Araújo.

"The celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Ronald McDonald House in Porto is a milestone that gives us a deep sense of mission accomplished. It strengthens the importance that the family has in the process of a child's recovery, during a challenging period in their lives, "said the executive director of the Ronald McDonald Children's Foundation, Marta Sousa Pires, who was accompanied by the chairman of the board of directors of the Ronald McDonald Children's Foundation, Isabel Andrade, and the manager of the Porto House, Isabel Aragão, the chairman of the board of directors of the São João Teaching Hospital, Maria João Baptista, and the director of the radiotherapy service and member of the board of directors of the Instituto Português de Oncologia (IPO) do Porto, Olga Sousa.