What is Ronald McDonald House?
Ronald McDonald House is a not for profit “home away from home” – a temporary lodging facility where families of children being treated for cancer, leukemia and other life threatening illnesses at CHEO – can reside. Sick children need more than good medical attention. In some cases – such as when a child receives out-patient therapy, the youngster can spend time with his family in the non-institutional atmosphere of the House. The Ottawa House – which is owned and operated by the National Capital Children’s Oncology Care Inc., opened on June 8, 1984. All members and directors are unpaid volunteers.
What is the history of the Kanata Atom Ronald McDonald House Hockey Tournament?
In February of 1984, Jacques Charron, an Atom “A” coach in Kanata wanted to raise money to buy jackets for his team. To raise the money, he decided he would host and run a hockey tournament. In order to do this, he decided he needed to approach local businesses to secure sponsorship – but it fell flat. One of the sponsors he approached, McDonalds Restaurant in Bells Corners suggested that he approach Ronald McDonald House, that had recently opened in Ottawa – as this charity was looking to raise money to support itself. Ronald McDonald House gladly jumped on board, and Jacques started planning the 1st Annual Kanata Atom Ronald McDonald House Hockey Tournament (KARMHHT). Within 5 weeks he secured additional sponsors, filled the tournament with 11 Atom “A” teams and 1 Atom “B” team. The 1st Annual KARMHHT was won by the Atom “B” Cyrville Flyers and raised $3000 for Ronald McDonald House Ottawa.
The 2nd Annual KARMHHT grew to feature 16 Atom “A” and 16 Atom “B” teams, and has offered 32 teams since. In 2005 the Tournament grew to 36 teams and will feature 40 teams in 2006.
Since 1984, the Kanata Atom Ronald McDonald House Hockey Tournament has raised more than $538,000 for Ronald McDonald House Ottawa, and in its 22nd edition in 2006 hopes to continue the tradition!.
The goal of the KARMHHT has always been to run the BEST Atom hockey tournament in the area, offering several opportunities for player recognition and participation, including hustler awards, an All-Star Game, a Skills Competition, and a very special Awards and Cheque Presentation ceremony during the tournament’s Sunday program.
Our motto is “KIDS HELPING KIDS”, with many teams over the years having raised money on their own, providing additional donations to the House.
The tournament has played host to several players that have gone on to play in the National Hockey League, including Todd White, who played in the 1st Annual KARMHHT All-Star game; Alyn McCauley, Jay Mckee and Tim Connelly.
Sadly, Jacques Charron passed away February 22,1988 at the age of 40 from cancer – however, the tournament lives on. Over the years since Jacques passing, the tournament was initially continued through the efforts of Jacques’ wife Louise, followed by Blaine Williams, Ron Davidson, Ron’s wife Mary Lou, and Kevin Shea. Today the tradition lives on due to the tireless efforts of the tournament’s Committee and the Kanata Minor Hockey Association.
