McHappy Day was able to set a new fundraising record locally after bringing in $26,895 yesterday.
Steve Sgro, the owner of the McDonald’s franchises in Owen Sound, Meaford & Port Elgin says that staff made it a resounding success.
“Over 200 staff worked yesterday at those locations,” says Sgro. “We were going at a hundred miles per hour from when the stores opened at 5 a.m. until the last store closed at midnight.”
All of the money raised in Owen Sound, Meaford, and Port Elgin is going to the Ronald McDonald House in London, which is connected with the Victoria Children’s Hospital, and located right across the street.
The purpose of the House is to allow the parents or family members of sick kids to stay close to the hospital, which helps save money on travel expenses and prevents the challenges of being far apart.
“Not only can the family can stay, saving them a lot of money and travel with hotels, but if the sick child can leave the hospital, they can stay there too.”
He says that helping the London house also helps local families, as 80% of families who use the services of Ronald McDonald House, tend to use the one in London.
The total raised during this year’s event was 5% more money than what was raised in 2023, which means a new record has been set.
Sgro says that it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of the community.
He adds that they’re hoping to raise money for the Owen Sound Hospital next year.