“We are immensely thankful for the generous gift from the Maunders McNeil Foundation, which will help provide life-changing care for children with complex medical needs and their families. This gift funds the fully equipped kitchen designed to meet the nutritional needs of all 144 children at the Saskatoon Centre. It will also serve as an educational space where the children can learn about the food they eat,” shared Jacqueline Tisher, Founder of Hope’s Home.

“Hope’s Home is a very important and unique child care Centre. A child who is born or acquires a medically challenging condition deserves the opportunity to flourish. Their parents deserve the opportunity to access community resources to help their children, continue with employment, have career opportunities and find a little respite. Hope’s Home provides those important resources, and the Trustees of the Maunders McNeil Foundation are proud to contribute to these efforts and to continue to preserve Mr. McNeil’s philanthropic legacy.” said Michael Stensrud, Director and Vice President of the Maunders McNeil Foundation.

Maunders McNeil was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan, in 1913. He rose from humble beginnings to become a successful heating and air conditioning entrepreneur, expanding his business to seven locations across Western Canada. Deeply committed to community service, he founded the Maunders McNeil Foundation in the early 1980s, focusing on supporting charitable causes such as health care, food banks, women’s shelters, and organizations providing supports to people with disabilities. Following his death in 1993, the Foundation continues his legacy of philanthropy, impacting numerous lives and communities.

The nutrients kids eat throughout the day are integral to their development and health. The kitchen will be open concept with a window so kids can learn about the foods they’re eating and how they’re made. While meals are standardized as much as possible, every meal is tailored to support each child’s specific needs based on their allergies and sensitivities.

Saskatoon’s first medically inclusive child care Centre will feature two separate centers caring for 144 children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. On-site nursing care, early childhood educators, developmental workers, and physical development consultants will provide Saskatoon families with a safe and inclusive environment where children receive the necessary care.