(rdnewsNOW/Ian Gustafson)

By Ian Gustafson

Holiday cheer

Red Deer Ronald McDonald House holds annual Light the House event

Nov 28, 2025 | 7:55 PM

The Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer kicked off the holiday season with their annual Light the House event.

On Friday evening, families who’ve utilized the Ronald McDonald House both currently and in the past were invited to join staff and volunteers as they turned on their Christmas lights at the facility.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta CEO Jason Evanson said Light the House is always a special day.

“Families who stay with us are travelling for pediatric medical treatment, and we work really hard to make sure they have a home away from home,” he said. “Light the House is an opportunity for us to welcome them in the community so they can wrap their arms around these family members who are going through a difficult time.”

The event also featured a meal for those in attendance, as well as activities for the kids, face painting, and more. In addition, Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to greet the kids and take pictures.

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Evanson explained that those who stay at the Ronald McDonald House are not only provided with a place to stay but also meals, programming, and staff and volunteers who are available 24/7 to ensure their needs are met.

“We often talk about the physical, emotional, and spiritual impacts of Ronald McDonald House and these days Canadians are also talking a lot about affordability. Last year, we saved the families who stayed at our houses in Alberta $9.8 million in out-of-pocket expenses,” Evanson added. “We’re really having an impact in a multitude of ways.”

The goal of the event is to help families feel less isolated through the holiday season by sharing a bit of holiday cheer.

Evanson said it’s difficult for families to be away from home during the holiday season, so the Ronald McDonald House works hard to ensure they have a comfortable place with a taste of home as well.

“We celebrate Christmas, and we celebrate Hanukkah. We try to make sure that every family has that taste of what it’s like to be home, even though they’re here in Red Deer,” he added.

(rdnewsNOW/Ian Gustafson)

Devin Cyr, Patrick Parenteau, and their three kids, five-year-old Xander, one-year-old Ruby, and eight-month-old Franklin, returned to the Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer for the first time since their stay.

Cyr explained they were admitted into the Red Deer Regional Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after Franklin was born a month premature. Franklin spent the next 10 days on a CPAP machine, and as a result, the family were offered to stay at the Ronald McDonald House.

“We didn’t know what to expect, but it was so nice having a place we could call home base every night… They really make you feel like it’s a home away from home. In a terrible situation, it was a great place to be,” Cyr said.

She added that it was an emotional evening for the family.

“It’s really nice to be here for a happy reason this time,” she said. “Xander’s been so excited, he actually had a hard time leaving here… He loved being here, and he felt like this was his house.”

Those hoping to help out Ronald McDonald House Charities by volunteering, such as cooking a meal for a family staying at one of the houses, or by donating. For more information, visit ronaldmcdonaldhousealberta.org.