THUNDER BAY —McDonald’s celebrated its 31st McHappy Day on Thursday.
Proceeds from any purchases at McDonald’s went to Ronald McDonald House Charities, which are used by families to stay close together when to sick children have to travel far from home to access healthcare.
“Today is all about helping families,” said Harinath Reddykana assistant store manager at McDonald’s on Red River Road.
“It is all about helping kids and their families getting help so that they settle properly while the child or kids are getting treated.”
Reddykana has worked at McDonald’s for about six years, participating in six McHappy Days.
“It gets really busy. Last year, throughout McDonald's Canada, we donated $8.9 million and the target from 2022 to 2026, we targeted $70 million.
“Last year we did $8.9 million, so we are trying to up the game even more. Let's go for more than last year,” he said.
Ten per cent of every purchase, and 100 per cent of charity items go towards Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), Reddykana said.
“The community of Thunder Bay has always supported families and RMHC. We really appreciate that from you guys. Every time we prep for McHappy Day by having so many people working. Such a great amount of people come in and support RMHC on McHappy Day to the point that we are all lined to the road and busy, jam packed inside the lobby.”
Reddykana said RMHC provide services as well as support to families in need.
“It is a really hard time for the family because they are also providing for the children, but who is providing for them, which is where we come in and RMHC helps out the families in need (with) sick children and their families,” he said.
In the past, McHappy Day allowed RMHC to help three out of four families, he said.
“We aren't able to reach the targets. Every donation helps towards the families.”
