McHappy Day brought a wave of community support to McDonald’s restaurants across Lanark County Wednesday as residents in Smiths Falls, Perth and Carleton Place helped raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa.
The annual fundraiser saw busy dining rooms, packed drive-thrus and community members stopping by throughout the day to support families with seriously ill or injured children receiving treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
Participating CarterFoods McDonald’s locations donated 10 per cent of all sales during the event to Ronald McDonald House Ottawa, located steps away from CHEO. Additional money was also raised through featured McHappy Day fundraisers and donations.
In Smiths Falls, General Manager Sue Hill said staff spend months preparing for the fundraiser because of the difference it makes for families across Eastern Ontario.
Hill said employees recently toured the newly expanded Ronald McDonald House Ottawa facility and were able to meet some of the families staying there while children received treatment nearby.
She said the experience helped reinforce why McHappy Day means so much to local staff and customers.
The recent expansion at Ronald McDonald House Ottawa added 22 new family suites along with larger kitchens, additional gathering areas, quiet spaces and upgraded amenities. The project is expected to increase the number of annual family stays from roughly 500 to more than 1,300.
In Perth, General Manager Paul Desjardine said McHappy Day is one of the most meaningful events of the year for restaurant staff, with employees and customers both eager to take part.
Desjardine also had the opportunity to tour the expanded Ronald McDonald House Ottawa facility and said seeing the support available for families firsthand left a lasting impression.
In Carleton Place, General Manager Brittany said McHappy Day reflects the community spirit shared by staff, volunteers and customers who all come together to help families facing difficult circumstances.
She said employees look forward to the fundraiser every year because they know the impact the donations have on families travelling from rural communities for treatment at CHEO.
Brittany also described visiting Ronald McDonald House Ottawa as an emotional experience, saying the organization provides far more than a place to stay for families dealing with medical emergencies.
First launched in Canada in 1977, McHappy Day has grown into one of the country’s largest annual fundraisers, raising millions of dollars for children’s charities and helping families stay close when it matters most.
Final fundraising totals from across the region are expected to be announced later Thursday, or early Friday.
