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Ronald McDonald House celebrates FortisAlberta as House Electricity Hero for 2018

Jul 19, 2018 | 1:22 PM

Hundreds of Red Deerians came out to enjoy a free community pancake breakfast at Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta on Thursday to get into the Westerner Days spirit and celebrate FortisAlberta as the organization’s House Electricity Hero for 2018.

The Barnyard Breakfast featured a petting zoo, mini games, tours of Ronald McDonald House and cotton candy.

 

 

However, it was highlighted by Todd Dettling, VP of Customer Service at FortisAlberta, who presented a $10,000 cheque to Jason Evanson, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Southern Alberta for help with the facility’s operational costs, namely electricity.

Dettling says the relationship between FortisAlberta and Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta started a few years ago when Fortis staff in Red Deer started volunteering and preparing meals for families staying at the home.

“Last year we sponsored the Christmas Lights program here at the Red Deer Ronald McDonald House,” recalls. Dettling. “This year, we’re excited to step up our participation in providing a donation under the new House Electricity Hero program that we’ve been recognized for here at Red Deer.”

He adds FortisAlberta is always engaged in community involvement.

“We really look for programs that are family orientated and really support the communities in which we serve,” says Dettling. “We certainly recognize this facility as one where many of our customers would participate in utilizing the facilities. It really works nicely when we’ve got our staff that are motivated to be part of something and if we can make a connection, then we’re happy to be part of it.”

Jason Evanson, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Southern Alberta,  says any donations they receive Thursday will go towards supporting the families they serve.

“It helps to keep the facility running, it covers off the expenses of providing a place for these families to stay when they need our organization the most,” he explains. “FortisAlberta has been a supporter of Ronald McDonald House ever since the capital campaign rolled out for this particular facility. They’ve generously supported us financially and equally importantly, they volunteer month to month, they come out and they cook dinners for the families.”

Evanson also acknowledges the World Professional Chuckwagon Association which came out to the event to make a donation in support of Ronald McDonald House’s day to day operations.

“They’re both great examples of companies and organizations that get behind our work and make it happen for Ronald McDonald House.”