Mountainview Building Group launches holiday matching campaign for Ronald McDonald House of South-Central Ontario

Mountainview Building Group has launched a Giving Tuesday holiday campaign to match donations made to the Ronald McDonald House of South-Central Ontario until Dec. 31. 

The Niagara Independent spoke with Mario De Divitiis, Chief Executive Officer of the Ronald McDonald House of South-Central Ontario, to talk about Mountainview’s efforts to make this holiday season a little brighter for families living at the Ronald McDonald House near McMaster Children’s Hospital. 

“Mark and his team have been incredible supporters of our house for the past few years – they dove into our mission,” De Divitiis shared. 

According to De Divitiis, Mountainview has been involved in renovating nearly every aspect of the Ronald McDonald House near McMaster. The house itself is a 40-bedroom house that offers housing for 40 families with children who are patients at McMaster. 

“Mark’s team has helped us renovate our dining room, living room, games room, hotel rooms, and even helped build us a brand-new play space,” De Divitiis added. 

De Divitiis says that, at any given time, roughly half of the families staying there are from the Niagara region.

“Right now, out of the 40 families currently staying with us, I believe that 26 are from Niagara,” shared De Divitiis. 

Because McMaster is such a specialized hospital, all kinds of referrals come from throughout the Niagara area. 

This year, Mountainview has launched a new campaign to match any contributions made to the Ronald McDonald House of South-Central Ontario right up until the end of the year. This brand-new initiative is yet another way Mountainview is giving back to the community. 

Asked what his pitch was to encourage donations this month, De Divitiis said his message was simple. 

“Over the holidays in particular, imagine not being around your Christmas table or Christmas tree – that’s the reality for our families,” said De Divitiis. “We’re looking for anyone out there to help out and help make the holiday season a little lighter for our families.”  

The Niagara Independent also spoke to Mark Basciano of Mountainview Building Group to discuss his organization’s inspiration for this year’s campaign.

According to Basciano, the motivation came from a desire to build community awareness, empathy, and connection, along with fundraising for a good cause. 

“Our relationship with the Ronald McDonald House grew out of need for impact – what it really means to show up for families when they need it most,” shared Basciano. “We wanted to create something that wasn’t just about fundraising, but about awareness, empathy, and connection. The Ronald McDonald House represents all of those things. When families are facing some of the hardest moments in their lives, this organization provides comfort, stability, and a sense of normalcy.”

“Our goal is to rally our community around that mission and remind people that even small acts of generosity can make a meaningful difference during incredibly difficult times.”

Basciano also noted that Mountainview has supported the Ronald McDonald House for many years because “we’ve seen firsthand the impact they have on families and children who are navigating medical challenges.” They provide families more than just a place to stay: “they create a safe, welcoming environment where families can focus on what truly matters: being together and supporting children.”

Like De Divitiis, Basciano urged anyone able to make a donation this holiday season, no matter the size: “Donating is a powerful way to show compassion and remind families they are not alone. Your donation truly matters.” 

Those looking to donate can do so HERE.