A local program with Ronald McDonald House Charities has made a big impact in helping families dealing with sick children. The Lakeland Fuel program sees families travelling to Edmonton to the house for treatment receive $100 gift cards for fuel, in partnership with Cenovus. Kayla Gaffney is the Marketing and Communications Officer with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern Alberta, She knows that travel is a burden for those seeking treatment for their children.
“We implemented the Lakeland Fuel Program so that families can reach out and have access to $100 gas gift cards, so that travel is one less financial burden along their child’s medical journey.”
For families to take advantage of the program, they have 3 criteria to hit.
“We need to know if families have stayed with R.M.H or a hotel partner. We need proof that they are travelling to Edmonton for a medical appointment and then they schedule a pick up.”
A testimonial featured on the charities website proves just how much the cards can mean.
“We received our gift card from Cenovus for our 3-day medical trip which meant more to us than a few tanks of gas. It was the gift of freedom – freedom to get to the appointments we needed, and freedom from the worry of money. It’s a little like they brought the hospital to us.” -Rebecca Watton, mother of Oksanah, who received two heart transplants.
Gaffney says the charity accepts gas gift card donations to help those using the program, with Petro-Canada and Esso cards preferred as they can be used in shuttle service while in Edmonton.