McHappy Day is upon us, and with that comes the opportunity for local residents to support Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
The festivities got off to a good start at the Aldershot McDonalds on Plains Road this morning (May 8), with balloons, costumed characters and brightly coloured merchandise. RMHC of Southern Central Ontario board member Ryan Sgro, who owns nine McDonald's restaurants in Burlington and Waterdown, along with RMHC Southern Central Ontario CEO Mario De Divitiis, also joined in the fun and helped deliver food to waiting customers.
This afternoon, Sgro stopped by the Waterdown store on Hamilton Street to help the local crew get ready for the evening shift.
"We're gearing up for a busy dinner," he said. "We always get great support from the Waterdown community."
Renovations coming to Waterdown location
Sgro also shared big news: the Waterdown McDonalds will be getting a makeover this spring.
"We will be closed for three to four weeks for a full renovation," he said, noting the restaurant was last updated about 12 years ago.
It will close on May 20 (right after the Victoria Day weekend) so the work can take place. It will mean a "new family experience," said Sgro, as well as updates behind the counter.
Sgro is excited about the updates to the Playland, which will have digital games and other new features. "It will be completely modernized," he said.
But for today, his focus is on raising money for a great cause.
Ronald McDonald House Hamilton benefits from local donations
This year's goal for Sgro's nine stores is to raise $200,000. Last year they raised $172,000, which was the second highest in Canada. All proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton. Funds come from all of today's sales, along with the 'round-up' program that has been ongoing the last couple of months.
"Across Canada, the impact of McHappy Day is felt every day by families who rely on RMHC to stay close to their sick child during the most unexpected and challenging time in their lives," said Kate Horton, RMHC Canada's president and CEO. "While the impact of our national mission is far-reaching, the need for RMHC is great and growing.”
Now in its 30th year, McHappy Days have raised more than $92.5 million to date for RMHC and other charities across the country.
