For Jennifer and Bob Gardner, volunteering at Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon began as a simple way to give back to their community. After moving into the neighbourhood, Jennifer signed up to volunteer, and over time, Bob joined her. What they didn’t expect was how deeply the experience would resonate.
As educators, they have spent their lives supporting children and families. But inside the House, that understanding took on new meaning. They began to see, up close, the realities families face—and the importance of having a place where they can stay together, find support, and feel a sense of normalcy during incredibly difficult times. At times, that connection became even more personal, as they recognized former students now navigating a child’s medical journey of their own.
Witnessing these experiences firsthand shaped how they wanted to contribute. For Jennifer and Bob, becoming monthly donors, House Warmers, was a natural extension of their volunteer work. It was a way to provide steady, reliable support for families, not just in a single moment, but throughout the year.
“We just see the power of what Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon does,” they share. “We understand the financial stability it takes to be there for families every day. It just made sense to make a monthly commitment, so we can help meet those needs in an ongoing way.”
Through their time at the House, certain moments and programs have left a lasting impression. For Jennifer, the Education Program is especially meaningful. With a background in literacy and diagnostic teaching, she is drawn to supporting not only the child receiving care, but also their siblings, those who are often quietly navigating the experience alongside them.
“I think about the little brothers and sisters,” she says. “They’re going through this too, and supporting them matters just as much.”
She also sees the value of programs that support parents, particularly mothers who are managing exhaustion, uncertainty, and the emotional weight of caring for a sick child. These moments of care, whether through art therapy, wellness programs, or simply a chance to pause, can make a meaningful difference.
For Bob, what stands out most is the connection between families. “You can talk about support,” he reflects, “but until you see families connecting with each other, sharing experiences and understanding what the other is going through, you don’t fully grasp it.”
And then there are the everyday interactions that stay with them long after their volunteer shifts end. For Jennifer, it’s the children, their curiosity, their resilience, and their desire to simply be kids.
“When the little ones come up and just want to help or be part of something, that’s what stays with me,” she says. “Those moments are so special.”
Over time, volunteering has become more than just giving back, it has become a shared commitment. Through both their time and their monthly support, Jennifer and Bob are helping create a place where families can feel cared for, connected, and supported when they need it most.
