McDonald's presents donation to Ronald McDonald House; and employee scholarship

McDonald's Restaurant in Kincardine had two reasons to celebrate Wednesday, July 15.

The first was the presentation of $6,825.25 to Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario in support of the recent expansion to 34 rooms from 17.

The funds were raised by the local McDonald's through its participation in the 22nd McHappy Day, a national fund-raiser held in more than 1,400 McDonald's restaurants across Canada. May 6, $1 from every Big Mac®, Happy Meal® and hot McCafe® beverage sold, went to benefit local children's charities across the country. In addition, many restaurants held fund-raising events leading up to, and on McHappy Day, to provide additional support.

"At McDonald's, we're proud to be continuing our long-standing support of local charities," said Rob Reid, owner/operator of McDonald's Restaurants in Kincardine, Goderich and Exeter. "Following our most recent successful McHappy Day, we're thrilled to be providing this cheque for $6,825.25 to such a worthwhile cause as Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario."

"This has been our most successful year yet, with our three stores raising $16,399.25," said Cathy Ravell, McHappy Day co-ordinator, and general manager of the Kincardine restaurant. "The people in these communities make this day a huge success, from the volunteers to the people who come in and support us on McHappy Day - we really have you to thank!"

"We, at Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario, are excited to be the recipient of funds raised during this year's McHappy Day celebrations," said Jenne Wason, director of development. "It's our ultimate goal to help improve the lives of children in our community, and we are thrilled to work with a company that shares that goal."

McDONALD'S SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

Reid and Ravell were also pleased to announce that this year's $1,000 McDonald's Employee Scholarship goes to Tim McTiernan, a three-year employee who was honoured for making a difference at work, at school and in the community. The funds will go toward his post-secondary schooling in the fall.

"I would like to thank McDonald's for the great work experience," said Tim. "I have learned about teamwork, communication and hospitality. All of these skills will help me in my education this fall. I will be attending a four-year program for bio-medical science and I'm hoping my grades are high enough to attend professional school afterwards."