Communities Rally for 32nd Annual McHappy Day

KAWARTHA LAKES/NORTH DURHAM: Communities across Canada came together on Wednesday, May 6th, as McDonald's Canada celebrated its 32nd annual McHappy Day, raising funds to support families with sick and injured children through Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Throughout the day, a portion of proceeds from every food and beverage purchase at participating McDonald’s locations was donated to Ronald McDonald House helping children and families in need. Customers could support the cause simply by ordering any menu item.

McHappy Day has become one of Canada’s most recognized charitable fundraising events, helping families stay together during difficult medical journeys. McDonald’s Canada has partnered with Ronald McDonald House for more than 45 years, supporting families whose children require medical treatment away from home.

Locally, franchise owners Neal and Tanvi Bhatt hosted their fourth McHappy Day at their Beaverton location and two restaurants in Lindsay. Together, the three locations raised an impressive $24,000 this year alone. Over the past four years, their restaurants have contributed a total of over $80,000 to the initiative.

“Every penny of [of the money raised] it goes to families that require support during their time of need,” explained Tanvi Bhatt.

This year’s celebrations in Lindsay included the “McChamber Stage,” organized by the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce at the Kent Street West restaurant. Live entertainment ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., helping draw crowds and encourage donations. McDonald's- branded merchandise, including baseball caps, was also available to support fundraising efforts.

Funds raised locally will support organizations including Kawartha Conservation and BGC Kawarthas, both of which were actively involved in the event.

“The best part of a McHappy Day is seeing the community come together to support such an amazing cause,” Neal and Tanvi said. “This includes not only our guests, but also our community leaders, supporters and our employees.”

They also expressed gratitude to the many individuals and organizations that helped make the event successful.

“We would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce and Terry Guiel, who organized an amazing music day at our Kent Street location, the chamber members, Fire, Police, our Mayor Doug Elmslie, Dave Illman from our local radio, Boys and Girls Club, all the performers, the Beaverton Lions Club, our amazing employees and leadership team, just to name a few,” they added.

Additional supporters included Di Bello Group Real Estate, EPD Music Services, Bon Air Long Term Care Residence, CIBC, The Catering Company, Multiline Construction Services, McCaskill's Mills Public School, Kawartha Community Foundation, Township of Brock Fire Services, Kawartha Lakes Fire Services, Beaver River Public School, City of Kawartha Lakes Police, Kawartha Lakes Jump In, Holy Family Catholic School, The Lindsay Advocate and the City of Kawartha Lakes, along with the many residents who attended and donated throughout the day.