Lethbridge Firefighters Charities Association donates truckload of toys to Ronald McDonald House

A group of firefighters from Lethbridge hoped to brighten the day of kids staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Calgary with a drop-off of toys and more.

After using the Ronald McDonald House in 2021, a Lethbridge family, along with support from the Lethbridge Firefighters Charities Association (LFCA), is donating a truckload of toys to help increase comfort at the Calgary charity.

Five years ago, the Olson family spent several weeks at the Ronald McDonald House in Calgary while their youngest daughter received care at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

“My daughter became ill with a critical illness, (and) she ended up being rushed to Alberta Children’s Hospital,” said Blake Olson.

“We were very fortunate to be able to stay in the Ronald McDonald House and stayed there for about a month.”

The family from southern Alberta stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for several weeks leading into Christmas while their daughter received the care she needed.

“One parent was always in the hospital; the other parent was at Ronald McDonald House with our oldest daughter,” said Olson.

“Ronald McDonald House was very near and dear to us. They provided everything that was normalcy for us.

“And when our youngest was discharged from the hospital, she got to spend a better part of the day at Ronald McDonald House, and it was memorable. We still talk about it.”

Since then, the Olson family has made it their mission to give back to those going through similar journeys.

Olson, who is a firefighter/paramedic with Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES), partnered with the LFCA to raise $2,000 to purchase and donate toys to the Ronald McDonald House.

“We know there are quite literally thousands of families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House from the Lethbridge area during their tenancy in Calgary, so this is just a very small part that we would like to do to give back,” he said.

The LFCA bought toys, along with supplies for welcome packages, to be donated to the charity.

“We do initiatives throughout the year and try and raise money for projects such as this just to be able to give back to local community members and families in need,” said David Skilling, LFCA president.

Throughout the year, the LFCA raises about $20,000 to be distributed back to different causes.

“This initiative was started solely by the Olsons, and we were excited to join and partner with them,” said Skilling.

“I think it’s really special.”

Olson says he’s beyond grateful for the support from the LFCA in helping to show their appreciation to those that helped his family when they needed it most.

“My daughter is doing good,” said Olson.

“She will have long-term health effects for the rest of her life. She will likely need transplants, but right now she’s perfect. She’s absolutely perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing.”