Seven ABD companies donate over $200,000 to Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan’s Miles to Go Campaign

November 7, 2024 in Giving Back
Explorer: Fall 2024

Seven companies with roots in northern Saskatchewan teamed together to donate a total of $212,500 to the Ronald McDonald House in Prince Albert. The announcement was made on October 29th.

Flyer Electric, Team Drilling, Points Athabasca, Tru North Recreation Superstore, Athabasca Basin Security, and Optek Solutions are all owned in part by Athabasca Basin Development. The seven entities all pitched in to contribute to Ronald McDonald House’s Miles to Go campaign to raise funds for a new House in Prince Albert. “As an Indigenous organization owned by shareholders in the Athabasca region, we are committed to giving back in ways that benefit our communities,” said Geoff Gay, CEO of Athabasca Basin Development. “Many people from the north stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon, and we are thrilled to see plans for a House in Prince Albert, the gateway to the North. Prince Albert plays a significant role in healthcare for Athabasca and northern residents, and this new facility will be well positioned to help out many families in many communities.”

“This gift to the future RMHC – SK Prince Albert House is a significant contribution which will enable family centered care to families that are traveling from northern Saskatchewan to Prince Albert for the medical needs of their child or children. We are truly grateful for the relationship RMHC – SK has developed over the many years with Athabasca Basin Development, as they were instrumental in supporting the Saskatoon House in 2013 with a major capital gift. We continue to be humbled by their commitment to be community partners in support to Saskatchewan families. Together we are building homes which keep families close,” shared RMHC-SK CEO Tammy Forrester. Athabasca Basin Development and some of its investments also contributed to RMHC-SK in 2012 for

its Saskatoon house expansion. “The Ronald McDonald House provides a way for families to support their loved ones when they have to travel away for medical care,” said Robert Fleming, CEO of Team Drilling. “They have done great work for families across Saskatchewan for many years. We were proud to support this important organization in 2012 and we are proud to support it again today.”

The Ronald McDonald House provides a “home away from home” for families of sick children travelling away to receive medical treatment. RMHC-SK prides itself on maintaining a warm, comforting, and safe atmosphere where families have the opportunity to connect with other families in similar situations. In 2024, Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan kicked off the “Miles To Go” capital campaign, to build a facility in Prince Albert and in Regina to ensure that they are able to accommodate all families who must travel over 40 km for their child’s medical treatment.

“Flyer Electric is thrilled to come on board as a sponsor for this important initiative for Prince Albert,” said Terry Tessier, CEO of Flyer Electric. “Our head office is in Birch Hills, which is very close to Prince Albert. For us, we can travel to PA easily for healthcare if needed. But for many families, and in particular for those in the north who have to travel a long distance, it is difficult to be away from home when your child needs care. We’d like to invite everyone in Saskatchewan to join us in this effort to raise funds for a much-needed facility in Prince Albert as well as Regina.”

“Families that come to stay at a Ronald McDonald House have to leave their home at a time when they are already feeling vulnerable,” said Kevin Aebig, CEO of Optek Solutions. “As a business based in Prince Albert, it’s important for us to support initiatives that benefit people in Prince Albert and beyond.”

“We all hope we never need to stay at a facility like Ronald McDonald House,” said Sean Jesse, General Manager for Tru North Recreation Superstore. “We provide service for many clients who live in small towns or rural areas, and it would be difficult for many of them to face this kind of situation. We’re happy to support Ronald McDonald House and the good work they do for the people across Saskatchewan.”

“We are proud to be among the first group of organizations to contribute to the Ronald McDonald House Miles to Go Campaign,” said Sascha Sasbrink- Harkema, CEO of Athabasca Basin Security. “And we are proud to have grown to where we can together make a significant impact on important initiatives that benefit both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities.”

“Points Athabasca contributed to the Ronald McDonald House expansion in Saskatoon 2012 and that was a good investment in our community,” said Lyle Bouvier, CEO of Points Athabasca. “Taking a tour of the Saskatoon house shows you the great work this organization does with families across the province.

I would encourage any organization to consider investing in a similar facility for Prince Albert, which will provide a tremendous benefit for the north.” For more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan, visit www.rmh.sk.ca.