Locals are being encouraged to enjoy a bite to help give back to a good cause on McHappy Day this Saturday, November 19.
As the largest annual fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), McHappy Day raises vital funds to ensure that families can stay together and close to hospital while their sick child is undergoing treatment.
Licensee Ian Garton looks after nine restaurants – Penrith, St Marys Village, Werrington, Westfield Penrith, Richmond, Bligh Park, Penrith Leagues, Glenmore Park, and Windsor – and hopes to see locals showing their support once again.
“For over three decades, McHappy Day has helped raise over $61 million to keep families with seriously ill and injured children together,” Mr Garton said.
“We couldn’t have done this without the support of local communities and customers across Australia.
“Aussies can get involved in McHappy Day again this year to raise vital funds and make a real difference to the lives of these children and their families.”
Getting involved is as easy as buying a Big Mac this Saturday, with $2 from every sale of the iconic burger going directly to RMHC.
You can also pick up a pair of $5 Silly Socks or Helping Hands for $2, $10 or $50 from Macca’s restaurants or via McDelivery.
Chief Executive of RMHC, Barbara Ryan said they are beyond grateful to those who have already shown their support and donated to this year’s McHappy Day.
“Ronald McDonald House Charities supports over 46,000 seriously ill or injured children and their families every year,” Ms Ryan said.
“The funds raised will go towards continuing to support families when they need it most, including providing a home away from home when their seriously ill or injured child is receiving treatment.”
RMHC currently has 18 Ronald McDonald Houses throughout Australia and accommodated over 9,000 families in 2021.
Other programs are the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, including the one at Nepean Hospital, which provides a relaxing haven within hospitals giving families a break from the stress of many hours spent by their child’s bedside.
The Ronald McDonald Learning Program also helps children catch up on missed schooling following a serious illness and provided tuition to over 950 students in 2021.
Donations can also be made online at rmhc.org.au/give.
Emily Feszczuk
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Emily covers Local, State and Federal politics for the Weekender, as well as crime and general news.