RMH

A new low-cost place to stay is ready for families with seriously ill children who must travel from out-of-town to Toronto for medical treatment.

The largest Ronald McDonald House in the world is officially opening Friday after six years of planning and construction. George Cohon, founder of McDonald's Canada, and Ronald McDonald with friends from Toronto's Ronald McDonald House on McHappy Day last year. McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited

The organization says the old Ronald McDonald House is constantly full, and the turn-away rate is as high as 70 per cent.

The new facility on McCaul Street is close to the Hospital for Sick Children, Mount Sinai Hospital and several other downtown hospitals.

Compared with the old building, it has space for three times the number of parents and children in need.

It has 96 bedrooms to accommodate 81 families per night, a common kitchen, playground and spaces for an accredited private school and kids' programs.

Executive director Jane Marco says the grand opening represents a significant and exciting milestone.

"Truly a home of hope in Toronto, the House offers a place for families to heal better together," Marco says in a statement. The new building has space for three times the number of parents and children. Ronald McDonald House Toronto

"Through the support of our many generous partners, we are thrilled to now be able to serve and support more families than we turn away."

On its website, Ronald McDonald House says families must live a minimum distance of 70 kilometres away from the House, and have a child who is 18 years of age or younger being treated for a life-threatening or serious illness.

A referral from a hospital social worker is required for first-time visits, it says.