Funds are being raised at the Swift Current Mall this afternoon by a group from Eastend School.

The group, who attends the "We Day" conference in Saskatoon yearly, is raising funds for a Ronald McDonald House program.

Tickets for a gala at Eastend School on January 27th called "Raising Hope" will also be sold, as that will account for a major part of the donation process to the Ronald McDonald House program.

The program, 'Adopt a Room', has 34 rooms available for adoption at the house. The cost of adopting a room is $10,000 per year for a minimum of three years. Donations can be paid annually at $10,000 for three years to support a family guest room or can be made in a one-time payment. According to the RMH website, either funding option will receive a full three years of recognition with the option for renewal.

Each guest room costs $30,000 each year to operate, so the 'Adopt a Room' program covers 1/3 of the cost per year, and enables families to use a room at a reduced rate.

Janise Michel, a student helping fund-raise at Eastend School, explains the importance of the Ronald McDonald House - not just to her family, but to the province as a whole.

"It's really such an awesome place. All the staff and everyone who was there was so inviting and it's such a warm and welcoming place.

We have a lot of connections in our town. My family actually stayed at the Ronald McDonald House when I was born.

There's also lots of other families in Eastend and across the southwest that have used the Ronald McDonald House," she said.

Michel is at the Swift Current Mall today selling tickets for the Gala, as well as accepting donations. For those interested in tickets or donating, but unable to attend today, she says to call the Eastend school at (306) 295-3601, or email at raisinghopermh@gmail.com.