Imperial Valley celebrates Red Shoe Day
Melissa Cordova’s son suffers from cerebral palsy and other disabilities. She travels to Rady’s Children’s Hospital in San Diego three times a week for his treatment. None of this would be possible without the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“My son was hospitalized when he was born intensive care. Ronald McDonald and the Ronald McDonald House charity was there for us when my family needed them. To share support and fellowship and treated us with respect and dignity. Helped us through our hard times,” said Cordova. Melissa is joined by other volunteers who know first hand where the money goes. “So it all is very meaningful all of us to be out here. It’s touched us one way or another,” Cordova added.
“Red Shoe Day” relies on volunteers like Melissa for it to be a success. Chuck Day, CEO of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, said, “But for us, it’s being able to serve those families. To help them get through, keep them close to their child while in the hospital. And then when they come back and volunteer it’s all the more special.”
According to McDonald’s, over 250 families stay at the Ronald McDonald House overnight while caring for their hospitalized child. Ronald McDonald, Spokesperson of the Ronald McDonald House Charities said, “Twenty-five percent of the people who use the house in San Diego, the Ronald McDonald House in San Diego, come from right here in the valley. So we want to make sure that we keep families close and keep all those families together. And help the healing go faster.”
Any amount that residents donate goes a long way. El Centro Regional Medical Center CEO, Dr. Adolphe Edwards said, “I can tell you that the feeling in those houses is immense. And I’m glad that we’re able to donate. Even the change in your ashtray will make a huge difference.”
It takes the generosity of community members for the charity to continue its efforts. Pioneers Memorial Hospital Public Affairs Liaison Mario Salinas said, “That’s very important for us to do that. And it’s very great to see people giving back to the community.”
