In early 2010, Xenium put forth the initiative to become more involved in the community. One of the volunteer ideas that came to life, through a suggestion from Human Resource Account Representative, Lacey Halpern, was to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Oregon and SW Washington. During Lacey’s time in high school, she had the opportunity to volunteer at the RMHC and saw the impact that it had on families. She knew it would be a perfect fit for the entire Xenium team so she sought out to involve the wider team.
Lacey coordinated several groups of employees that volunteer their time into planning, preparing and serving meals to families staying at the East House Emmanuel Children’s Hospital Portland campus. The impact that this work has had on Xenium has been tremendous. To hear thoughtful statements, such as, “It was good to come back to a home cooked meal after my son’s life-altering surgery” really motivated the Xenium team to continue to stay involved with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and SW Washington and impact the lives of families in the community.
To stay involved with these efforts, employees have prepared meals over the past two years, wrapped presents in the house’s Christmas store for families, and Lacey is now involved in the Red Shoe Society, the young leader’s group for RMHC.
About RMHC
RMHC of Oregon and Southwest Washington operates two houses in the Portland area located next to OHSU/Doerbnecher and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, with room for 41 families each night. Families frequently stay for months at a time, while their children receive treatment for serious medical issues. The efforts of Xenium’s employees and countless others help create an atmosphere of love and support, where families can find rest, while focusing entirely on their child’s nearby treatment. Each year, more than 1,500 families stay at Portland’s Ronald McDonald Houses, adding up to more than 11,000 nights. Find out more about how to get involved at www.rmhcoregon.org.
