Sandee Day has dedicated herself to serving family, friends, and her community. After the loss of her infant son, the thought of helping families of seriously ill children during the darkest part of their lives became Sandee’s passion. She was among the first to recognize the value in establishing a Saskatchewan Ronald McDonald House.
During her 24-year term at Saskatchewan’s Ronald McDonald House, Sandee Day poured her heart and soul into the House, the staff, the volunteers and the guest families. She was among a group of key individuals, service clubs, volunteers and businesses, who laid the foundation, raised the roof and finally opened the Ronald McDonald House doors to Saskatchewan families on September 12th, 1985.
When the “House” opened, Sandee was first hired as the Office Manager. She became Administrative Director and, finally, Executive Director. Sandee led the House team of staff and volunteers by example, walking along side and carrying people along with her enthusiasm, dedication, compassion, and humour. Part of the operation of the House is ensuring that all cultures live harmoniously under one roof in a safe and loving environment, and Sandee excelled at this. Saskatchewan’s “House that Love Built” is truly that!
It is only fitting that Sandee’s House legacy should live on. An endowment fund has been established at Saskatoon Community Foundation in her name, in honour and in celebration of Sandee’s cornerstone work for the House. Annual grants from this fund will ensure an “in perpetuity” source for House operating dollars and the Board of Directors felt that no one would understand the need for core funding more than a passionate, long-term House staff member and leader.
In July of 2009, the House opened its doors to its 15,000th family. In September of 2010, the House celebrated its 25th Anniversary. Sandee Day’s legacy to the House is more than milestone dates and numbers served – it is all about keeping families stronger together.
Sandee continues to volunteer at Saskatchewan’s Ronald McDonald House.