When children are diagnosed with a serious illness, they often must travel for specialized treatments that last for weeks or months. It becomes very costly for parents to be by their child’s side. In addition, parents have the stress of balancing their work and household responsibilities. Sutton Group – Preferred Realty Inc. is making a difference in their lives. This winter, they purchased the ingredients and cooked dinner for 70 guests at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in London. In 2015, they plan to prepare five more meals and fundraise.
These efforts are an extension of the connection that they already have to this unique charity. “We have two family member volunteers at RMH who let us know about the dinner program,” says Lori Payne, Administrative Office Manager. “Cathy Combs, our Sales Secretary of 14 years, has a brother who is a volunteer and board member for the charity. Also, my 16-year-old son Hayden Payne is ‘VolunTeen’ at RMH.”
There are 14 RMH locations in Canada that provide families with a home away from home. RMH in London is a very large, 34-bedroom house managed with the support of 10 full-time and part-time staff as well as a pool of 1,000 volunteers. Together they provide guests with all the creature comforts of home including hot meals. In early December, several REALTORS® from Sutton Group – Preferred Realty Inc. along with family and friends pitched in to prepare a delicious meal for 32 families.
“It was a very moving experience,” says Lori. “These families spend their entire day at the hospital focusing on their loved ones. Proper nutrition and sleep is necessary to focus and have the strength to cope daily with their child’s illness. We are extremely blessed and honoured to be able to prepare a hot meal for those less fortunate than ourselves. We are not just a real estate company, we are a family.”
Pictured (left to right): Hayden Payne, Gerry Weir, Lori Payne, Cathy Combs, Judy Kalar, Valerie Waite, Jennifer Kraft, Jolin Payne and Ken Payne.
This story was adapted – with permission – from one originally featured on the Sutton Spirit website. The Sutton Spirit program recognizes Sutton associates across Canada that improve and enhance the lives of the people around them.
