AMHERST – McHappy Day was another big success with approximately $7,000 being raised at the Amherst McDonald’s restaurant.
A fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House, an additional $3,000 was raised at the Sackville, N.B. McDonald’s while a similar amount was raised at the McDonald’s in Shediac, N.B.
“We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our communities,” franchisee Danny Moore said Thursday. “Again, we had an amazing turnout of volunteers and again the community came out and showed its support for this important charity that helps families when they need it the most.”
Members of the RCMP and Amherst Police Department worked shifts during the day along with members of Amherst town council and Mayor David Kogon. Other volunteers included EMS paramedics and students from Amherst Regional High School.
Daren White from Spring Street Academy was on hand doing face-painting while the Shriners Clowns, led by Harold Farrow, were also there.
The Amherst CIBC Wood Gundy Ramblers also presented a donation of $250.
Ronald McDonald House provides families of sick children with a home to stay at while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital.
The houses give families, who don’t live near a children’s hospital, a warm and compassionate home to stay in while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital.
The homes include bedrooms, professionally-equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and playrooms for children.
Families pay just $11.50 per night and if they can’t afford that, they stay for free.
There are 15 Ronald McDonald Houses hosting approximately 51 per cent of the families with critically ill children across Canada. That’s more than 10,000 families every year.
Saying that, Moore said, there are still many families who are turned away because there isn’t enough space. Some houses have a turn-away rate as high as 70 per cent.
“Ronald McDonald House is such a great charity,” Moore said. “It is used by so many people and there have been many people who have told us about their experiences with Ronald McDonald House and what it means for them and their families. It really makes it all worthwhile.”
Moore said Ronald McDonald House is a place where parents can be with their children while they’re going through a tough time in their lives without having to worry about booking a hotel or travelling back and forth.
“They’re right next to the hospital, or just down the street.”
As well, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, such as those at hospitals in Moncton and Halifax, provide a comfortable place for families to rest and recharge, right inside hospitals.
The rooms include a kitchen area, shower, sleeping rooms, laundry facilities, Internet access and more in a medical-free space away from the beeps and pressures, but still seconds away from their child’s bedside.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles bring basic medical care to vulnerable communities.
Moore said many families in this area have been served by Ronald McDonald houses and have been assisted by the charities.
McHappy Day saw $1 from every Bic Mac, Happy Meal and McCafe beverage go to Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada that bring support, care and smiles to local families and children.
Since 1977, McHappy Day has raised more than $56 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada and other local children’s charities.
Twitter: @ADNdarrell
