FOR over three decades the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) have supported families of ill or injured children to be close to their loved ones by providing accommodation nearby.
Since 1991, the charity has raised over $79M and helped their beneficiaries in a priceless capacity, and its all thanks to community members and staff embracing McHappy Day.
Wallan North bound licencees Paula and Dylan Shirley shared that they are blessed and fortunate not to have needed the charity, which is more than accommodation.
“We have met lots of families who do use the house,” they said.
“We have met people who have been in there for over 12 months…they’ve had to resign from work and they have other children as well that have had to ultilise the space.
“It is a phenomenal offering for people, and very much needed, particularly for rural people or those who do not live near the city.
“It’s more than accommodation… there’s incredibly stocked pantry’s which people donate to. It’s a multitude of things taken care of while they’re not there.
Generating the income to make a big difference is an annual affair as, at any time, anyone, can round up the cost of their meal…and every little bit counts.
McHappy Day, 2025 falls on Saturday, November 15 and on the day $2 from every Big Mac sold goes directly to the charity.
There’s practical merchandise to buy; the iconic silly socks are just $6.50 each and colourful bucket hats, just in time for summer, are $3.95 each.
Another avenue to support the charity is to buy a tax deductable helping hand for $2, $5, or $50 each.
Young children can have a lot of fun colouring these in at any McDonalds Restaurant or they can take them home. Each hand has room for its benefactor to write a supportive message for families, and the charity will display them across their stores.
“Our young staff love getting dressed up for McHappy Day,” Paula said.
“They will be cycling McHappy Day buckets around the store and our drive-through for anyone who wants to donate a gold coin and we have Wallan CFA joining us too,” Dylan said.
Silly socks, bucket hats and Helping Hands are available for a limited time only, while stocks last.