Home for Dinner with ABP

ABP supports and connects with families at Ronald McDonald House.

This Spring, ABP in partnership with Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence (CBCE), was proud to host “Home for Dinner,” events at the Ronald McDonald House Canada (RMHC) locations in Edmonton and Calgary.

The two events were designed to support families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, with onsite prepared and home-cooked meals, while requiring medical or hospital care or treatment. 

Influencer and Master Butcher, Corey Meyer of Acme Meats, Edmonton, helps serve up Alberta Beef meat sauce and spaghetti to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Edmonton, March 28^th, 2022.

Both events profiled the family friendly, easy-to-prepare, versatility of Alberta beef, which included spaghetti and Alberta beef meat sauce, at the Edmonton event and Classic Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs for the Calgary dinner. Both events showcased different steak cut samplers of BBQ Alberta Beef, masterfully grilled by Mathieu Pare, Canada Beef Centre of Excellence. We prepared over 100 meals for the families in person and prepared take away meals for those spending time at the hospital.

Preparing a meal can be a stressful task after spending a long and potentially emotional day at the hospital. After two years of being unable to host these events due to pandemic restrictions it has been such a welcome and wonderful experience for the families to share in a healthy prepared meal. Thanks to ABP and other volunteers in this program we are able to reduce this stress for families.”

Sarah Heiben, Corporate Development Officer, Ronald McDonald House Canada. 

In addition to offering our support to families in need, it was our objective at ABP to connect families to Alberta Beef, its diversity and budget friendly family and nutritious meal options and, of course, to the producers who work hard to proudly and sustainably raise world-class Alberta beef.

Connecting over a family meal has always been a part of the values and culture of those who live and work in our industry. Being able to prepare, share and connect with these families over a home cooked meal, with the help of Alberta beef producers and the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence, featuring Alberta Beef, was such an honour. 

Ronald McDonald House Charities® Alberta supports families seeking vital medical treatment for their seriously ill or injured child. There are currently four Ronald McDonald Houses in Alberta located in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Medicine Hat, providing a warm, compassionate home for those who need to travel for medical reasons. 

This article was first published in Volume 2 Issue 3 of ABP Magazine (July 2022). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily.