The Ronald McDonald Family Room Will Support Hundreds of Families in Kamloops and Beyond
On June 13th, the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation (RIHF), in partnership with Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon (RMH BC) and Interior Health, celebrated the grand opening of the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Royal Inland Hospital and honoured the $1 Million transformational gift from Rae Nixon and her family, who made the opening of this space possible.
Located in close proximity to the Rita C. Mercier Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the Evening Auxiliary to the RIH Obstetrical Services Unit and the Art & Norma James Pediatric Unit, the newly opened Family Room is a sanctuary of comfort, care, and connection for families with children receiving medical treatment at RIH. The Ronald McDonald Family Room is part of a province-wide expansion to bring vital supports closer to home for families across the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap region.
Serving a region where 28% of RMH BC’s Vancouver House families originate, the Kamloops Family Room fills a crucial gap in local support for families facing medical crises.
The Family Room offers a 1,100-square-foot refuge for families, complete with:
- A comfortable living room for rest and connection
- A fully equipped kitchen and dining space
- In-house washer and dryer
- A shower facility with toiletries
- A play area for young patients and siblings
- A quiet space for reflection or private conversations
The space will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to families of patients ranging from 0-18, with one sleep room available through referral by hospital staff.
“Royal Inland Hospital cares for more than 1,500 children every year and delivers more than 1,000 babies for families across the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap region. This new Ronald McDonald Family Room increases our ability to support the health and wellbeing of families during what can be a very stressful time, when their child is in hospital,” shared Susan Brown president and CEO of Interior Health, “To honour and recognize the legacy of Dr. Lloyd Nixon in this way, a long time family doctor and medical staff member of Royal Inland Hospital, is truly profound, as he is still caring for patients and their families in the hospital and community he served throughout his career.”
“This Ronald McDonald Family Room is a reminder of what happens when generosity, compassion, and community spirit come together. Through the kindness of Rae Nixon and her family, this space was built with the belief that families across the region should have a place of comfort and care when they visit Royal Inland Hospital. We are so proud to open these doors, knowing that this room will offer patients and their loved ones a quiet refuge, a place to gather strength, share moments of peace, and feel the support of a community that stands behind them.” – Heidi Coleman, RIH Foundation CEO
“When I was a little girl, I spent time in the hospital alone, and I never forgot how that felt. I always dreamed of creating a space where families could stay close to one another during hard times. With the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, that dream has come true. This space is a gift from my heart and a tribute to my dear husband, Lloyd, who cared for so many in this community over his 30-year medical career. I hope this warm and welcoming place offers comfort and connection to families from all over our region, so no child has to spend time in the hospital alone.” – Rae Nixon, RIH Foundation Transformational Donor
“The opening of the Kamloops Family Room marks a milestone in our commitment to serve more families, better. It will be a safe and welcoming space where parents can take a breath, share a meal, or simply be close to their child in the most difficult of times.” – Richard Pass, CEO, Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon
The grand opening welcomed donors, hospital staff, RMH BC alumni families, and members of the public.
This is one of three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in British Columbia, alongside Surrey – which has served over 15,000 family visits in 2024—and a new Prince George Family Room opening later in Fall 2025.
