Members of the community were invited to try their hand at serving McDonalds customers, May 7, during the national fundraiser called McHappy Day, which is an endeavour by McDonalds restaurants across the country to raise funds for different charities.
Throughout Canada restaurants picked a local charity they wanted to support and Ponoka’s choice was to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer. Across the nation, every person that bought a Big Mac, Happy Meal or McCafe beverage had a dollar donated to their charity. Approximately $4.2 million was raised in Canada with Ponoka’s McDonalds raising $1,500.
Janice Uy, Ponoka store manager enjoys how busy McHappy Day gets. “It’s a time to work together with some of our guests and it’s the common goal of serving the customers, and at the same time, giving back to the community.”
The busier the better, says Uy because with more customers buying a Happy Meal, Big Mac or McCafe beverage, the more money will be going to the Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer.
“Our goal is to serve fast, friendly and accurate and at the same time, we can have more transactions so more money can go to charity,” explained Uy.
Staff at Ponoka’s McDonalds will also volunteer their time to cook a meal at the Ronald McDonald House for clients. The first Tuesday of the month they are invited to cook a meal at the house and Uy says it is always a fun experience.
Owner Tony Hoffman says McHappy Day is a great day with guests and volunteers helping out. “It’s a wonderful day. We’re really happy that we have a Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer.”
Clients of the house come from around central Alberta and pay a small amount to stay their while their children receive treatment. In 2013, a room cost $12 for clients but the actual cost to run the room was $200 a night. The house is intended for families having children undergoing treatment.