McDonald’s Canada has announced a record-breaking McHappy Day, where communities showed up to help raise much-needed funds that will have a profound impact on the lives of families with sick and injured children.
Together with Canadians, the collective effort recently raised over $11.3 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities across Canada, and other local children’s charities nationwide.
Throughout McHappy Day, Canadians showed up in remarkable numbers, turning everyday purchases into extraordinary acts of generosity. Each purchase made on Thursday May 8, contributed significantly to the record-breaking fundraising total, showing how small actions can make a big difference to support families when they need it most, said McDonald’s in a press release.
“At its heart, McHappy Day is a community event hosted by McDonald’s Canada and its local, independent franchisees, driven by a commitment to the neighbourhoods and families they serve.”
“Our franchisees are not just business leaders; they are community champions,” said Michèle Boudria, President and CEO of McDonald’s Canada. “McHappy Day is a shining example of their dedication to growing and fostering strong community connections, and the impact we can make for families with sick or injured children when we come together.”
This year marked the 31st McHappy Day in Canada, bringing the total to over $111.3 million raised to-date in support of RMHC across Canada and other local children’s charities. These funds have played a critical role in enabling RMHC across Canada to support nearly 500,000 families with sick and injured children since 1981. The generosity of Canadians ensures that even more families can remain close to their child’s hospital bedside, enabling parents to share precious bedtime stories and enjoy a home-cooked meal that provides comfort and peace, so families can truly focus on what matters most: caring for their child, explained the company.
“McHappy Day is my favourite day of the year because it vividly illustrates the power of community and the life-changing impact of Canadian’s generosity,” said Kate Horton, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada. “Thanks to the incredible support from our founding and forever partner, McDonald’s Canada, franchisees, guests, and our national donor partners, we can continue to provide essential comfort and resources to families with sick and injured children, keeping them close when it matters most.”
The impact of McHappy Day extends beyond a single day. Every day, McDonald’s Canada along with its local, independent franchisees, and guests, support RMHC families through Happy Meal and RMHC Cookie purchases, coin box, and at point of purchase with programs such as Round Up. As of May 13, guests can also support RMHC families by making a $1 donation through the McDonald’s app, said the company.
In Canada, two out of three families live outside a city with a children’s hospital and must travel for treatment if their child is seriously ill or injured. The impact of RMHC across Canada is far reaching as today, 1 in 4 Canadians have either stayed with RMHC or know someone who has. More than a place to stay, RMHC program locations across Canada give families the support and resources they need so they can focus on what matters most – caring for their child. The 16 Ronald McDonald House programs provide out-of-town families with holistic support and services such as meal, mental health and wellness programming, while the 19 Ronald McDonald Family Room programs provide a comfortable place for families to rest, recharge and fuel without having to leave the hospital.
McDonald’s has 1,450 Canadian restaurants.
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