Approximately 75 McDonald’s in southwestern Ontario participated in this month’s McHappy Day.
And, thanks to the efforts of staff and the generosity of customers, almost three-quarters of a million dollars was raised in the region.
Matthew Chater, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Southwestern Ontario has the local number.
Across the country, $11.3 million was raised. That’s up from $9 million last year.
Chater stresses that money supports three facilities in London and Windsor.
He adds that without Ronald McDonald House, a family could incur thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses to be by their child’s side.
“And with our partnership with RBC, we did an economics impact study for 2024, and we saw that our chapter alone saves families over $5.9 million annually, which is a staggering number.
“When you think about two-thirds of the families that live in our region need to travel for the specialized child care that they receive here at Children’s Hospital or in Windsor Regional, it adds up quite significantly.
“And so just really, really grateful that a service that exists like Ronald McDonald House to really wrap around those families.”
But, there is a need now to expand that service, advises Chater.
“So in 2024 alone, we turned away 493 families. And from our perspective, one family not able to stay with us is one too many.
“And so we’ve begun the process and working very closely with our board as well as our community partners, our hospital partners at LHSC, as well as Windsor Regional Hospital to explore ways to expand.
“And we’ve cast a vision to expand and double in size, which would allow us to meet the demands that continue to grow for families across the region.”
Written by Ian McCallum
