When you buy a Happy Meal at McDonald’s April 22-26, 10% of the sale will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The first Ronald McDonald House was built in 1974. The charity has grown to serve 62 countries and provide more than 390 services.
According to their website, 90% of top children’s hospitals around the world are home to at least one RMHC core program. RMHC provides more than 2.2 million overnight stays each year, helping families save about $611 million in lodging and meal expenses.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston opened its doors on September 10, 1983 by MUSC Children’s Hospital. By 2012, there were 27 rooms available for families. The program expanded again in 2015 to offer five more transplant bedrooms and bathrooms, a renovated kitchen, a new kitchenette, and a new computer area. Since opening over 70,000 moms, dads and children have stayed in the Ronald McDonald House facilities. The goal of the charity is to help the families lead as normal a life as possible during their traumatic times, without the financial burden of hotel, meal and travel expenses.
Ronald McDonald Charities also provide a mobile wellness bus to provide care to underserved communities, and a parent room at hospitals for parents to rest and refresh outside of their child’s hospital room.
The Happy Meal fundraiser is not new for McDonald’s in South Carolina. The event not only raises money for Ronald McDonald House, but spreads the word of their mission to help support children and their families when they need it the most.
“As a McDonald’s owner-operator, I am honored to be a part of the Happy Meals for the House fundraiser. Supporting Ronald McDonald House and other nonprofits in our community is a core value for McDonald’s. We believe in the power of giving back and providing comfort and care to families in need. Through this initiative, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families during challenging times. Together, with the support of our valued customers, we can create a brighter future and strengthen our community, one Happy Meal at a time,” says Chris Valdes.
Donations can also be made to Ronald McDonald House year-round at all McDonald’s locations. When you place your order ask to “Round-up for RMHC” and proceeds will be donated directly to participating Ronald McDonald House Charities locations. Other ways to help the organization include going to their website and signing up to prepare meals for families or check-off something on their wish list posted online. Anyone can also donate directly to RMHC at any time by visiting their website rmhccharleston.org.
