New children's book and year-long partnership demonstrate J-AAR's commitment to building stronger communities beyond construction.

LONDON, ON – J-AAR has officially announced a guaranteed minimum donation of $150,000 to Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario while launching Building Roads, Building Hope, a children's book created by J-AAR employees Brad Lalich and Nick Wilton to raise awareness and support for families with seriously ill children. The announcement was made during a special media event held on July 29 at J-AAR's Wellington Gateway project site, located directly outside Ronald McDonald House London.
The $150,000 commitment represents the foundation of J-AAR's year-long partnership with Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario. Through employee fundraising initiatives, the company's Annual Charity Golf Tournament, community events, volunteer programs, and proceeds from Building Roads, Building Hope, J-AAR is demonstrating its commitment to helping more families remain close to their children during medical treatment.
The partnership was inspired by the Wellington Road reconstruction project taking place immediately outside Ronald McDonald House. Rather than seeing the project as simply another piece of infrastructure, J-AAR recognized an opportunity to use construction as a platform to create awareness for an organization making a profound difference in the lives of families across Southwestern Ontario. The initiative reflects the company's Projects with Purpose philosophy, which connects infrastructure projects with meaningful community partnerships that leave a lasting impact.
Inspired by conversations about how children experience construction, Brad Lalich and Nick Wilton created Building Roads, Building Hope to tell a different side of the story. While adults often notice traffic delays and orange cones, children see towering excavators, teamwork, and the excitement of watching something new take shape. The book encourages young readers to look beyond the construction zone while introducing them to the mission of Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario and the importance of helping families stay together during difficult times.
For Lalich, the project carries special significance. His family stayed at Ronald McDonald House London in 1997 and later at Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia while seeking specialized medical care. Those experiences inspired his desire to give back to an organization that provided comfort, compassion, and hope during one of the most challenging times in his family's life.
Members of the public can receive a copy of Building Roads, Building Hope with a minimum $25 donation, with every dollar supporting Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario. J-AAR hopes the campaign will build upon its guaranteed $150,000 commitment by encouraging employees, customers, suppliers, business partners, and the community to join the effort.
The launch event featured remarks from J-AAR CEO Ryan Aarts, Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario CEO Matthew Chater, Mayor Josh Morgan, Ronald McDonald House family ambassador Megan Edmiston. Together, they celebrated a partnership that demonstrates what can be achieved when businesses, charitable organizations, and communities work together toward a common purpose.
Last year, Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario provided more than 16,000 nights of comfort to over 1,400 families, saving them more than $6.5 million in out-of-pocket food and lodging expenses. Yet 513 families were turned away simply because there wasn't enough space. Through this partnership, J-AAR hopes to help ensure more families can stay close to the care they need when it matters most.
As Ryan Aarts shared during the announcement:
"At J-AAR, we believe the projects we build should leave more than better roads, they should leave stronger communities. Today, we are proud to announce a guaranteed commitment of $150,000 to Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario. This commitment is our promise, but it is also our starting point."
For J-AAR, Building Roads, Building Hope represents far more than the launch of a children's book. It is a reminder that while construction builds roads, partnerships build stronger communities, and together, they can create hope for families when they need it most.
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