A brand new Ronald McDonald House Family Room has opened its doors in St. Catharines.

The Marotta Family Hospital held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the occasion on Thursday.

It’s a facility that offers respite and comfort for families with children in the hospital, offering laundry and food services at time that can be overwhelming for most.

“Today is a beautiful example of what can happen when a community comes together,” Mario De Divitiis, the CEO of the Ronald McDonald House Charity for South Central Ontario said.

The project was in carried out in part by two local businesses, Silvergate Homes and Mountainview Building Group, who together have pledged an additional $200,000 to support the facility.

A similar Family Room operates out of Hamilton, for McMaster Children’s Hospital.

In a day, it can serve anywhere between 85 to 120 family members, many of which hail from the Niagara Region.

“We are honoured to partner with RMHC SCO to bring this much-needed space to Niagara,” Lynn Guerriero, the CEO of Niagara Health said. “It is our hope that this space will not only enhance the care we provide, but also create a warm and supportive atmosphere that nurtures healing and hope.”

Sarah Prebianca said the service was extremely helpful for her family when her 18-month-old daughter was diagnosed with Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome.

“After the long days in the hospital holding our little girl, speaking with doctors, and enduring countless tests and procedures – knowing that we had a quiet space for a coffee, meal or to relax, was a lifeline.”