Steinbach McDonalds is ready for McHappy Day on Thursday, May 8th to support the Ronald McDonald House (RMHC).
Operations Supervisor for Steinbach McDonalds, Doug Demler says this is the 31st McHappy Day, and there have been some changes over the years.
“It used to be, you buy a Big Mac and we would donate a dollar to Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, but that's all changed. All food and beverage items support McHappy Day all day long. So, you can come in and order your favorite McDonald's food, whether it's a Big Mac or quarter pounder with cheese, Egg McMuffin, McFlurry, and 10 per cent of all the daily food and beverage items go to support McHappy Day right across all of Canada.”
In addition, McDonalds is selling “crave-able merch this year”. This includes grimace sweatshirts and socks with your favourite McDonald’s characters. Delmer says that the Hamburgler and Grimace socks are selling fast. Additionally, donations of 2, 5, or 10 dollars can buy you a heart to support the charity.
These funds go directly towards the essential needs of families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. The donations provide food, mental health and wellness support, to families of sick children.
“Ronald McDonald House is a home away from home for people that have sick children and they can't come in and pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars for a hotel room where they can go to Ronald McDonald House.”
Delmer says that small communities such as Steinbach provide loads of support for the local Ronald McDonald House.
“It's the rural communities that really benefit and actually come out and support us really, really well because you're right, when you're two to three, maybe four hours away, it's such Peace of Mind to be able to stay somewhere that's so loving and caring as Ronald McDonald house.”
Delmer explains that one in four Canadians have either been supported by Ronald McDonald House or know someone who has.
“So, it's a great charity and it really puts parents' minds at ease when they're just right next door to the hospital, while their child is sick.”
This is one of the busiest day of the year for McDonalds and Delmer encourages people to come say hello to the crew, support the RMHC, and have fun.
With files from Kenton Dyck