Markham, ON –July 4th, 2016 – On a mission to make a difference in the lives of children, the Sofina Foundation recently confirmed that funds raised at their annual Sofina & Amici (Friends) Golf Classic will now be extended to include the Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Alberta (RMHCNA). The annual event is celebrating its 9^th year on Thursday, August 4^th, 2016. Since its inception, the Sofina & Amici Golf Classic has raised over $2.5 million through generous donations from loyal suppliers, friends and family. These donations have been instrumental in funding various capital development projects, all in support of local children’s charities.  Overall, the Sofina Foundation has raised more than $3.2 million dollars for these charities.

“The success of the Sofina & Amici Golf Classic has been so remarkable that we’re now fortunate to be able to extend our reach across Canada. Throughout the last eight years, our support for various initiatives that benefit the children in our community has thrived due, in large part, to the unparalleled generosity of our loyal suppliers, family and friends”, noted Umeeda Madhany, Vice President, Sofina Foundation.

Through the new partnership, the Sofina Foundation, charitable arm of Sofina Foods Inc., will provide $300,000 in funding to the RMHCNA for a kitchen renovation and their Meals that Mend Program. In 2015, over 800 groups participated in preparing and sharing a meal for families, with over 15,000 guests visiting the House. This number grows every year. The goal is to have more than 1,440 meals served by 2018. This will include three full meals for the families at the RMHCNA and meals to local hospitals. The Meals that Mend Program allows community members to work hand-in-hand with families and make direct impact by sharing kindness.

“Every day the Ronald McDonald House sees the power and kindness of our community,” says Martin Dugas, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Alberta.  “The funding from Sofina Foundation to create an amazing kitchen space is going to increase the power of our community and support for our families.  Thousands of volunteers and families will be using this kitchen to create meals that will help families feel supported during their crisis,” says Dugas.

About the Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Alberta – www.rmhcna.org

All Ronald McDonald Houses are independently owned and operated non-profit organizations. Ronald McDonald House Charities® Northern Alberta (RMHCNA) is the only facility in Edmonton and the surrounding area that provides temporary and affordable accommodation for families whose children are being treated in one of Edmonton’s medical facilities. Since 1985, RMHCNA has helped over 19,000 families.