June 30, 2020
PORTLAND, Maine (June X, 2020) – Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine (RMHC Maine) has recently received a $50,000 donation from Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution (SBSI) to help fund a 15-room expansion of its Portland House. The new space will provide an additional 5,475 nights of comfort per year for the families of pediatric patients.
The expansion will give RMHC Maine more space to better accommodate large families and provide comfort for long-stay families in need of a “home away from home” while their child receives medical care. After initially breaking ground in 2019, the new addition is scheduled to open later this year.
“This donation towards our expansion will make a significant impact on our ability to provide hope, comfort and compassion to Maine families only a short distance away from their child's care,” said RMHC Maine Development Director Alicia Milne. “We’re grateful for the support of Saco & Biddeford Savings to help give families the strength they need in facing their child’s medical journey ahead.”
“Having a child in the hospital is stressful and can be overwhelming,” said Bob Quentin, President and CEO of SBSI. “We’re proud to support RMHC Maine in building more space to help alleviate the emotional and financial burden placed on families during such a difficult time.”
The completion of the expansion corresponds with the 25th anniversary of the opening of RMHC Maine’s Portland House in 1995. To celebrate, the nonprofit is attempting to raise an additional $25,000. Donations of $25 are encouraged to commemorate each year of support that the Portland House has provided. Individuals can make their donations online or by mail to 250 Brackett Street, Portland, ME, 04102.
RMHC Maine is also asking that the community send pictures and videos showing support. Pictures can be sent to marketing@rmhcmaine or messaged on Facebook (@RMHCME) or Instagram (@RMHCMaine).
About Ronald McDonald House of Maine
When faced with a child’s illness, parents enter a world of fear and worry. For parents who don’t live close to the medical care their child needs, there’s an added stress - distance. For 25 years, Ronald McDonald House of Portland has recognized the financial and emotional toll this takes on families. RMHC of Maine offers families warm meals, a comfortable place to sleep and above all, a home-away-from-home only a short distance from their child's care. For more information, visit https://rmhcmaine.org/.
About Saco and Biddeford Savings
Founded in 1827, Saco & Biddeford Savings is Maine's Oldest Bank with locations in Saco, Biddeford, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland and Westbrook. A leader in community banking, SBSI has donated nearly $4 million to area organizations over the last 10 years and continues to support the needs of the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.sbsavings.bank or on Twitter at @SBSavings and #InItTogether. Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.