McHappy Day raises $43K+ for local children’s charities

June 13, 2023

McHappy Day raises $43K+ for local children’s charities

Beneficiaries include Ronald McDonald House Charities, Niagara Children’s Centre, Village of Hope and Grimsby Benevolent Fund

St. Catharines, ON – A Happy Meal offered more than just world-famous fries when thousands of local residents came together to celebrate the annual fundraiser.

Last month, McDonald's Canada hosted McHappy Day, a nationwide event on Wednesday, May 10, to support Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and local Canadian children's charitable organizations. Participating restaurants dedicated a portion of all sales, along with funds raised through special promotions and events, to their local RMHC chapter and to their chosen charities.

In St. Catharines, the funds raised during the event benefited RMHC Southcentral Ontario and Niagara Children’s Centre, Village of Hope and Grimsby Benevolent Fund.

“The event serves as an important opportunity to recognize the work happening at RMHC, local children's hospitals, and organizations, like Niagara Children’s Centre, who work tirelessly to improve the lives of these children and their families,” said Edwin Infante, McDonald’s owner/operators.

Throughout the day, McDonald's employees and community volunteers actively engaged in fundraising activities, amplifying the support. At all St. Catharines locations, you could find volunteers at the drive-thru thanking customers for their support while collecting additional cash donations.

“Staff and volunteers played a crucial role in the success of McHappy Day,” said Marla Smith, Director, Development, Niagara Children’s Centre. “Their selfless dedication and tireless efforts help create an atmosphere of joy and giving. From serving customers and engaging in fun activities to spreading awareness and collecting donations, their involvement truly brought the event to life.”

At the 44 John Macdonell St. location, near Brock University, customers were greeted by a familiar face volunteering at the drive-thru. Platinum-selling Canadian country music star Tim Hicks was seen hand-delivering orders to patrons while posing for selfies with fans to show his support for the event.

“Tim Hicks played an important role during McHappy Day,” said Smith. “Celebrity appearances can serve as a catalyst for community engagement and awareness. Having him there sparks conversations about the challenges faced by children in need and highlights the vital role charities play in improving their lives. The event connects individuals and businesses, encouraging collaboration and collective impact.

In total, $43,137 was raised for McHappy Day by five St. Catharines locations. Niagara Children’s Centre received more than $24,000 of those proceeds with an additional $1,000 coming through drive-thru cash donations.

Since McHappy Day was first celebrated in 1977, McDonald’s Canada, its franchisees, and generous guests have contributed nearly $66 million to RMHC and local Canadian children’s charities.

The 44 John Macdonell St. location also marked its grand re-opening in May with a weeklong Coffee Days celebration. From May 1 to 7, the restaurant donated $0.50 from every Premium Roast Brewed Coffee and Tea sold to Niagara Children's Centre. In total, more than 3,065 beverages were sold raising $1,532.50.

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About Niagara Children’s Centre:
Niagara Children’s Centre provided rehabilitation and support services to more than 5,300 children and youth last year across the Niagara Region with physical, developmental and communicative delays. The range of services includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation.

For further information contact:
Michael Morrison, Marketing & Communications Officer
Phone: 905-688-1890 ext 260
Email: michael.morrison@niagarachildrenscentre.com

Photo caption:
Andreas and Edwin Infante, McDonald’s owner/operators, present a cheque to Mandy Cavasin, Development Officer, and Oksana Fisher, CEO, Niagara Children’s Centre, who were joined by Caitlyn McMillan, People & Culture Lead, McDonald’s.