Results

Ronald McDonald House Charities Announce Results of the

12th Annual Red Shoe Crew-Walk for Families

(October 5, 2023, St. John’s, NL) – Ronald McDonald House Charities Newfoundland and Labrador (RMHC NL) and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro), the presenting sponsor of the 12th annual Red Shoe Crew-Walk for Families, today announced the total funds raised from the event.  Other announcements included the winner of the Grand Prize Draw, Provincial WestJet Cares for Kids Lottery, Share Your Heart Challenges and top fundraiser. The announcement was made during the Final Step Event held outside Ronald McDonald House in St. John’s in the presence of RMHC families, Board Members, staff, Red Shoe Crew Volunteers, Hydro staff, and other sponsors that include Stingray, NTV, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Saputo, In the Box Media Promotions, and WestJet Cares for Kids.

More than a thousand individuals took part in the Red Shoe Crew-Walk for Families across the province. We are incredibly excited to announce that the Walk for Families raised ­­­­­­­­­­­­­$245,886 and climbing.   This represents a 12% increase from last year. The funds raised will support the ongoing programs and services at Ronald McDonald House in accommodating hundreds of sick or injured children and their families each year. Since opening, in 2012, Ronald McDonald House has been able to accommodate 1856 families during more than, 44,290 nights, keeping them close to each other and the care and resources they need, when they need it most.  Based on an economic impact study completed by RBC, RMHC Newfoundland and Labrador saves families $1.4 million annually in out-of-pocket expenses like lodging, food and other essentials.

Ashley Renouf of Cape St. George NL, expressed her sincere appreciation to everyone that supports Ronald McDonald House. In the spring of 2022 the family experienced their own crisis when their son, Ryder, three-year-old at the time, was diagnosed with Leukemia. After multiple tests, it was determined he would need several rounds of treatments.  For the Renouf Family, that meant relocating on a semi-permanent basis to St. John’s. “We heard about Ronald McDonald House, but didn’t completely understand how important it is to families until we too became a RMHC Family.  We stayed Ronald McDonald House 279 nights and it made supporting Ryder so much easier. 

Ryder’s treatments are expected continue until into 2024. “My family and I want to thank everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored and donated during the annual Red Shoe Crew-Walk for Family events this September.   By supporting Ronald McDonald House, you kept my family together during the worst possible situation and Ryder needs his family to fight this terrible disease.  Thank you for giving our family everything we needed during this stressful time!”

The Top Fundraiser for the Red Shoe Crew-Walk for Families event was awarded plaque and gift card . 

• 1^st Place:  Natasha Hobbs of Clarenville $14399
• 2nd Place: Emma King of Victoria $8800
• 3^rd Place: Lux and Noah Strickland of Pilley’s Island $3913

As part of the Red Shoe Crew-Walk for Families we introduced the new Share Your Heart Challenge.  We encouraged participants to take a photo while walking, and share why they walk for families on something heart-shaped.  Each post was to be tagged with #RedShoeCrew2023.  The winner of the Share Your Heart Challenge is Emma Clarke who walked with the Victoria Walk for Families.     

We also introduced the Share Your Heart Business Challenge.  Businesses were invited to sell Hearts to their customers and display in their storefronts or windows.  The Top three Share your Heart Business Challenge winners are:

1. Well-Bean Café – Labrador City
2. Northridge Developments Ltd. in Corner Brook
3. East Coast Junction in Cox’s Cove

For every $100 participants raised on a pledge sheet for Ronald McDonald House, participants received a chance to win.  Hundreds of ballots were submitted by all event locations and the winner was Natasha Hobbs that participated in the Clarenville Red Shoe Crew-Walk for Families.   

“Hydro and our employees are proud of our continued partnership with Ronald McDonald House, and we are honoured to be presenting sponsor for the Red Shoe Crew Walk for Families again this year,” said Gail Collins, Vice President, People and Corporate Affairs with Hydro. “Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s event a success.”

“We thank everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, or supported Ronald McDonald House during this very difficult year. Special thanks to sponsors:  Hydro, Stingray, NTV, McDonald’s – NL, Coca-Cola, Cossette, WestJet Cares for Kids, In the Box Media Promotions, and Saputo.” said Dr. Lisa Goodyear, board member  with Ronald McDonald House Charites Newfoundland and Labrador.  “Events, such as our Red Shoe Crew-Walk for Families, are an amazing reflection of our communities hard at work and supporting others – truly showing how important Ronald McDonald House is to everyone in our province.  The funds raised with help us keep families with a sick or injured child close to each other and the medical care they need when dealing with a sick or injured child far from home.”

Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador provides a home like experience for families, providing comfortable and affordable accommodations while children receive care and treatment at our province’s children’s hospital. 

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro manages our province’s electricity system. We are a company of people who work hard behind the scenes because we know our customers are counting on us. Through our generation, transmission and distribution operations, we’re committed to meeting the needs of our customers and providing residents, businesses and communities across the province with safe, reliable power.