Thank you Canada! McHappy Day® raises record amount for children's charities

The 26^th McHappy Day in Canada sees strongest participation ever in communities across Canada

TORONTO, May 14, 2019 /CNW/ - On May 8^th, millions of Canadians celebrated McHappy Day, the one-day celebration in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities® Canada (RMHC® Canada) and other local children's charities.

On May 8th, McDonald's Canada celebrated the 26th McHappy Day, raising $6.6 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities and local children's charities across Canada. The Saleh family (pictured) is one of many families who have stayed at a Ronald McDonald House while their child receives treatment in a nearby hospital. (CNW Group/McDonald's Canada)

This year, McDonald's Canada encouraged Canadians to pledge their support in advance of the day by using the hashtag #MyPledge and committing to purchasing a Big Mac®, Happy Meal® or hot McCafé® beverage for themselves, friends, family or colleagues. McDonald's Canada also partnered with Peace Collective, a homegrown Canadian brand to create the limited-edition McHappy Day x Peace Collective collection that was sold in restaurants. All proceeds went towards children's charities nationwide, collectively raising more than $6.6M – the most ever raised in McHappy Day history.

Quotes:

"McHappy Day captures the hearts of Canadians across the country, banding together for a great cause that helps families at an incredibly hard time in their lives. We're so thankful for all the amazing crew members, franchisees and McDonald's Canada guests who truly make this a day to remember each year," said Cathy Loblaw, President and CEO of RMHC Canada.

Facts:

• McHappy Day is McDonald's Canada's largest charity-driven program.
• McHappy Day was established in 1977 by McDonald's Canada founder George Cohon.
• The 15 Ronald McDonald Houses and 16 Family Rooms in Canada give families a place to stay together when they have to travel for their sick child's treatment.
• Together, with the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, RMHC is able to support over 25,000 families from more than 1,800 communities each year.

About McDonald's Canada
In 1967, Canadians welcomed the first McDonald's restaurant to Richmond, British Columbia. Today, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited has become part of the Canadian fabric, serving close to three million guests every day. Together with our franchisees, we proudly employ nearly 100,000 people from coast-to-coast and more than 90 per cent of McDonald's 1,400 Canadian restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs. Of the almost $1 billion spent on food, beverages and packaging, more than 85 per cent is purchased from suppliers in Canada. For more information on McDonald's Canada visit McDonalds.ca. 

About Ronald McDonald House Charities® Canada (RMHC® CANADA)
In Canada, 65 per cent of families live outside a city with a children's hospital, and must travel for treatment if their child is seriously ill. The RMHC network of programs in Canada helps to keep more than 25,000 families close to their sick child and the care they need each year. The 15 Ronald McDonald Houses provide out-of-town families with a home to stay at while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital, while the 16 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms provide a comfortable place for families to rest and recharge, right inside hospitals. Through the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, basic medical care is available to underserved communities in Alberta.

SOURCE McDonald's Canada

Kristen Hunter, McDonald's Canada, [email protected], 416-446-3371