McHappy Day’s back to bring a smile to sick kids

MEDIA RELEASE
1 November 2013

McHappy Day’s back to bring a smile to sick kids and their families

Support Ronald McDonald House Charities® on McHappy Day® – 9 November 2013

McDonald’s restaurants nationwide are asking customers to help keep sick children and their families together by supporting McHappy Day®, on November 9.

The fundraising initiative is all about raising much needed funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities® New Zealand (RMHC), a charity that provides Kiwi families with sick children a place to stay next to the hospital, along with other much needed facilities and resources.

Patrick Wilson, managing director of McDonald’s New Zealand, says McHappy Day was such a success last year they are looking forward to bringing it back and raising even more funds for RMHC.

“McHappy Day gives our customers the chance to support RMHC in a fun and engaging way. Last year, $196,000 was raised nationwide for RMHC through McHappy Day activities. This year we aim to double that and raise $400,000.”

McDonald’s will give 100 per cent of the proceeds from its Helping Hands, .20 cents from every Pump® mini, and $1 from every Big Mac® and Happy Meal® purchased straight to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Collection buckets and other fun interactive fundraising activities will be found in restaurants. You can also text ‘McHappy’ to 2447 to instantly donate $3 or you can donate online now.

Lionel Whitehead, chairman of RMHC, says McDonald’s ongoing enthusiasm and support with fundraising activities is fantastic, but more funding is needed to maintain and grow activities.

“In the past 12 months the Ronald McDonald Houses have provided over 32,000 room nights to more than 4,800 families. We rely on community support and donations to provide these wonderful facilities, and the backbone of this support is the generosity of McDonald’s and its customers.

“In late 2013 a new Ronald McDonald Family Room will be opened adjacent to Southland Hospital in Invercargill. The Ronald McDonald Family Retreat in Rotorua has provided a holiday for over 1,500 family members since opening in 2009 and our Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles continue to provide free dental care to children in Northland and Counties Manukau. The more money that is raised through McHappy Day, the more we can help families achieve the three things that every child needs – a strong mind, a strong body and a safe place to grow,” says Mr Whitehead.

For more information about McHappy Day or to make a donation, visit www.mchappyday.co.nz.

McHappy Day - how to get involved

• From 23rd October – 9th November McDonald’s will donate everything from its $1 helping hands

• From 30th October – 9th November McDonald’s will donate .20 cents from every Pump® mini sold

• Plus on McHappy Day McDonald’s will give $1 from every Big Mac® and $1 from every Happy Meal® purchased

• Text ‘McHappy’ to 2447 to instantly donate $3 or you can donate online now

• Collection buckets and other fun interactive fundraising activities will be found in restaurants across the country

ENDS

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