9-year-old Sarah from Taylor, BC knows what it’s like to need Ronald McDonald House.

Last year, she and her family travelled to Vancouver for life-saving surgery to repair a hole in her heart. During this stressful time, she and her entire family experienced firsthand the warmth and support that the House provides for families like theirs – from meals prepared by volunteers to the big yellow slide in the living room.

Her time in Vancouver had a profound impact for Sarah, and she was determined to give back to help the sick kids she met there – to help them smile and to feel the support that she experienced. Her mom Amy remembers with pride the day when her daughter said, “They need my help. I don’t need help. I want to raise money for them.”

Ever since she returned home to Taylor, Sarah has been spreading the word about Ronald McDonald House and helping to raise funds. Over the holidays, she was even able to fulfill her Christmas wish of coming to Vancouver to volunteer at the House.

This year, due to COVID-19, community fundraising looks a lot different, with many events no longer possible – but Sarah was determined to keep her momentum going. She was one of the first participants to sign up for our Step Up for Families campaign, which took place throughout June 2020.