Prince George, B.C. – Families staying close to their children during medical care at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia will soon benefit from an upgraded, more welcoming space thanks to a collaboration between the Prince George Community Foundation and the Rotary Club of Prince George Downtown.
The Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) is granting $20,000 as part of a broader, community-driven fundraising effort in partnership with the Rotary Club of Prince George Downtown to help replace and modernize the kitchen in the Ronald McDonald House Family Room at UHNBC. The project will significantly improve the functionality of the space, allowing families to prepare meals, gather, and find comfort during what are often long and stressful hospital stays.
“This is exactly the kind of project that reflects the heart of our community,” said Rae-Ann Noonan, PGCF Executive Director. “When families are facing some of their most difficult moments, access to simple comforts—like a proper meal or a welcoming place to sit together—can make a meaningful difference. We’re proud to partner with Rotary to help make that possible.”
For many families, the Ronald McDonald House Family Room is more than just a convenience—it is a place of refuge during long and uncertain days. However, the current kitchen facilities are limited and no longer meet the needs of those who rely on the space. The planned upgrades will introduce modern appliances, improved workspace, and a more functional layout, making it easier for families to prepare nutritious meals and find moments of comfort and connection.
“This project is about dignity, comfort, and care,” said Mindy Stroet, President of the Rotary Club of Prince George Downtown. “Through Rotary’s fundraising efforts and the support of partners like the Prince George Community Foundation, we are working to create a space that truly reflects the compassion of our community.”
Total funding for the project is being raised through a combination of community donations, this PGCF grant, and the Rotary STOMP!—a major fundraising event taking place May 9 at the Prince George Civic Centre. Proceeds from the event will directly support the Family Room kitchen upgrade.
Alongside these efforts, the Rotary Club of Prince George Downtown Fund, held at the Prince George Community Foundation, continues to support this project and other Rotary-led initiatives that strengthen the community. Individuals and businesses are invited to contribute through the fund to help expand its impact.
This partnership builds on a strong history of collaboration between the two organizations, demonstrating the impact that can be achieved when community partners align around shared goals.
Together, the Prince George Community Foundation and the Rotary Club of Prince George Downtown are helping ensure that families facing medical challenges have access to a space that offers not just functionality, but comfort, connection, and care.
To get tickets and learn more about the Rotary STOMP!, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/rotary-stomp-party-tickets-1965630443570?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
To donate to the Rotary Club of Prince George Downtown Fund, please visit: https://pgcf.ca/fund/Rotary-Club-of-Prince-George-Downtown
