Greece’s first Ronald McDonald Family Room was officially opened on the premises of “Agia Sophia” Children’s Hospital in Athens on November 13, 2024. The new facility will provide essential support to families of hospitalised children, providing them with a comfortable, welcoming space to rest while remaining close to their loved ones.

The Family Room was inaugurated by the Deputy Minister of Health, Marios Themistokleous, in the presence of RMHC Global COO Rodney Jordan, Premier Capital Chairman & CEO Melo Hili, RMHC Hellas President Ioannis Apostolopoulos, and Agia Sophia Children’s Hospital Director Emmanuel Papasavvas.

Located within the hospital, the 310-square-meter Family Room offers a peaceful retreat for families. It includes a kitchen and dining area, private bathrooms, laundry facilities, a living room, and three family suites for overnight stays. These suites are allocated based on need, ensuring families have a place to rest while remaining close to their child’s bedside.

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As a founding supporter of RMHC Hellas, Premier Capital Hellas – Premier Capital’s operator of McDonald’s restaurants in Greece – played a key role in funding and developing this project alongside other benefactors.

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Melo Hili, CEO of Hili Ventures emphasised: “We are proud to support RMHC Hellas in inaugurating Greece’s first Ronald McDonald Family Room, a meaningful milestone in helping families stay close to their children during critical times. As a forever partner of RMHC in Latvia, Malta, Romania, and now Greece, Premier Capital is committed to supporting families in need through our McDonald’s operations in these markets. This Family Room programme is not only a collaboration with ‘Agia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, but also a place where families can find comfort, strength, and support during their most challenging moments.”

As the first facility of its kind in Greece, the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Agia Sophia Children’s Hospital brings a global RMHC model to the country, providing a comforting environment for families navigating pediatric healthcare challenges. RMHC Global COO Rodney Jordan, spoke about the importance of family-centered care: “RMHC is pleased to welcome the Family Room at Agia Sophia into our global network, where it will provide essential support for children and families in Greece during critical times.”

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Ioannis Apostolopoulos, President of RMHC Hellas, expressed his pride: “Today marks the realisation of a long-held vision – the opening of the first Family Room for the Greek Chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Partnering with ‘Agia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital was a natural choice, and the support of the Ministry of Health, the Hospital Administration, and the Region of Attica has been invaluable. We hope this space will offer much-needed rest and support to families, making a meaningful difference for those with children receiving care at the hospital.”