Shelburne McDonalds celebrating McHappy Day

May 4, 2023 · 0 Comments

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Shelburne McDonald’s is gearing up to celebrate their first-ever McHappy Day on May 10.

“We are extremely stoked to celebrate our first McHappy Day at our restaurant,” said Leigha Cook, operations supervisor for the local franchise. “Come on out to see your town and fellow community members serving each other.”

Each year, more than 1,400 McDonald’s restaurants across the country celebrate McHappy Day, and this year marks the 29th McHappy Day in the history of McDonald’s Canada. Since its inception, McHappy Day has raised more than $45 million for Ronald McDonald House charities in Canada.

To celebrate McHappy Day, the Shelburne McDonald’s has invited local civic and community leaders to participate in the festivities with guests. They’ve also organized some fun, family-friendly activities for attendees.

During the event, fundraising merchandise will be available for purchase, including vintage character socks for $5, red hearts for $2, blue hearts for $5, and brown hearts for $10.

While raising funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities is at the center of McHappy Day, the event will also raise funds for three local organizations.

According to Cook, 50 per cent of the proceeds raised during the event will be donated to the Shelburne Food Bank, Headwaters Hospital, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dufferin.

“I’m really excited that the proceeds of our day will go right back to our families. To be in a small town mean you need to care about a small town. We employ 98 people in our restaurants so we’re working with our neighbours and people that at times need to access these services,” said Cook.

As a large employer of the Town’s local youth, Cook also noted the importance McHappy Day has for them.

“They’re now being linked to local causes that are right in their community, and for them to have the ability participate in their first McHappy Day it will matter to see how their work can contribute to bigger causes,” Cook said.

The fundraising goal across all MacKinnon-owned Mcdonalds’ restaurants is $36,000.