Propelled into action

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This article was published 07/01/2019 (2491 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Ridhima Singla is hoping her upcoming fundraiser will touch down in the hearts and minds of community members.

Singla, 16, is a Grade 11 student at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate who is part of the project-based learning program Propel.

As part of the program, the St. Boniface resident — who works part-time as a crew member at McDonald’s — will hold a fundraising event in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba, to help raise funds and awareness for the organization and the families it helps.

The event is called McFamily Day, and it will be held on Fri., Jan. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at McDonald’s at 77 Goulet St. in St. Boniface, which is where Singla works. It will include a meet-and-greet with Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Andrew Harris, who will be on hand to mingle with visitors and sign autographs.

“The principal goal of this event is to raise awareness about Ronald McDonald House, and the incredible work they do,” Singla said, noting she started working on the project in September.

“The organization helps people realize they’re not alone, and their goal is to keep families together through the rough times, and they look after the well-being of the families of sick kids. They provide the perfect facilities for families, and they make people feel like they’re at home. It’s really a home (away) from home.”

“The fundraiser will provide people with the chance to contribute to the community, so that more families can live together and support each other during adverse times. I chose Ronald McDonald House Charities because this was the charity that I connected to the most, and I believe strongly in its mission. I feel that is very important to stay close to your loved ones during difficult times,” she added.

Located on Bannatyne Avenue two blocks from the Children’s Hospital at Health Sciences Centre, Ronald McDonald House provides an option for families of children receiving treatment at the hospital — that live some distance away — to stay.

Singla said she also took a tour of the facility, which helped her decide that it would be the recipient of her event.

“I took a tour there, and I had an instant connection. It’s set up like a home, and it’s a relaxing setting that’s away from the hospital environment. At the end of the day, you don’t know what is around the corner.”

The teen is grateful for the support of McDonald’s and for letting her use their space for the event, as well as the staff at Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba. She is also thankful for the invaluable experience she has gained from the Propel program.

“Without the program, I wouldn’t have been able to make these kinds of connections. The program has helped me develop good communication skills, and build a strong and helpful network outside of school. I used to be a very shy kid, and this has helped me bring my entrepreneurship skills to the community and get my ideas out there,” Singla said.

There are various ways visitors can show their support for the cause, which include buying a Happy Meal, buying a Big Mac, buying RMHC cookies, buying RMHC merchandise, making a donation in the donation boxes, or making a donation with their purchase, Singla said.  

 
Go online at www.propellrsd.com/ridhima-fundraising to learn more about the event.   

 
Visit www.rmhcmanitoba.org to learn more about the organization.