(rdnewsNOW/ Ian Gustafson

By Ian Gustafson

Ronald McDonald House Charities

McHappy Day brings community together in support of a great cause

May 9, 2025 | 7:30 AM

McDonald’s Canada’s longest running and largest fundraiser took place at over 1,400 restaurants across the country on Thursday, including in Red Deer.

The 31st annual McHappy Day welcomed customers in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) where a portion of the sales will go to support them.

Communications and events lead with McDonalds Restaurants Darrelynn Fair said RMHC is important to families all over Canada.

In fact, one in four Canadians have stayed at RMHC or know someone who has. Furthermore, over 26,000 families are helped every year by keeping them close to their sick child while in hospital.

The need is still there today as RMHC is only meeting 20 per cent of the need for their services.

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“Events like these help bring in those extra dollars that help build and rebuild new homes. Right now, they’re extending the location in Calgary so lots of those funds will go towards that,” Fair said.

She added, this event every year is an exciting time for everyone involved.

“It’s bringing the community together too and you can see it with the firefighters and police officers in how much fun we have. Everybody in the community gets to come together and that’s just a great feeling.”

Tony Hoffman, owner of multiple McDonald’s restaurants across central Alberta including both in Gasoline Alley, said the greatest part of the Ronald McDonald House is the ability to keep families together during a stressful time.

“It’s always a traumatic time when a child is hurt or injured or needs some care. Ronald McDonald House gives people the ability, whether they can afford it or not, to be together,” he said.

Hoffman played an important role in building the Ronald McDonald House located near the hospital in Red Deer. He said he’s proud of what they have been able to do.

“It’s done a lot of amazing things and brought a lot from outside of Red Deer who need the homes to stay here,” he added.

“We’re really proud of being a key sponsor for RMHC. One hundred per cent of the proceeds we raise goes directly to the house. It’s exciting the millions of dollars we contribute every year.”

For those who missed out on McHappy Day but still want to help, there’s an opportunity every day to round up your order at McDonalds to support RMHC.