Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 03/01) - One local teacher's visit to Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton was all that was needed to get his entire class involved.

When Jeff and Meredith Seabrook's infant daughter Lauren was diagnosed with unicoronal synostosis (a premature fusing of the skull sutures) last January, it quickly became apparent that surgery was needed as well as a place to stay during the procedure.

Jeff Seabrook would need to stay in Edmonton with his 13-month-old daughter for two weeks during and after the operation in mid-May and affordable accommodations were a must.

At only $10 a night and with ample room for families, Ronald McDonald House proved more than a godsend.

SeaBrook was so impressed with the facilities, when he returned to Yellowknife and his Grade 8 class at Mildred Hall school, he wanted to explain to them how it worked.

"Most people think that Ronald McDonald House is funded through the change jars they have at McDonald's, but that's only a small part of that," Seabrook said.

"It's mostly all private donations."

It turns out, two of his students already had experience with the organization.

Lindsay McKay and Ryan Arychuck both had siblings that fell ill and spent time at Ronald McDonald House.

They immediate set forth on a campaign of their own to make sure their schoolmates were aware of the benefits of the charity home for sick children.

"Some students had some grandiose ideas like biking to Fort Providence," said Seabrook. "They really got into it, which was quite neat."

In the end, the students held a bake sale and went around the school with a penny jar, raising $400, which was presented by Seabrook himself to Ronald McDonald House president, Bill Sharon when he and his daughter returned to Edmonton for a follow-up examination. McKay, whose foster brother fell ill with cancer in 1999, said the primary importance of Ronald McDonald House is to provide a comfortable home for sick children trying to cope under similar circumstances.

"It's a lot better than expensive hotels or staying in the hospital."

For his part, Seabrook said he was simply overjoyed.

"They really touched me this year," said Seabrook. "They're a great bunch of kids with hearts of gold."