OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's Corp. month-long World Children's Day (WCD) is bringing awareness and raising funds to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
RMHC helps more than 10,000 families a day through its 282 Ronald McDonald Houses in 33 countries. RMHC also helps children in need through its Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles. In addition, the charity funds other children's causes around the world.
McDonald's franchisees, suppliers, employees and customers, along with RMHC supporters and volunteers, have helped raise more than $124 million for families like the Kallas-Zuvichs in local communities across the globe through the last six World Children's Day efforts.
World Children's Day at McDonald's comes to life this year through community events, benefit concerts and neighborhood festivals. An online widget "Give A Hand for Ronald McDonald House Charities" and be added to MySpace and other popular social networking sites as part of the comprehensive campaign for people to learn more and raise funds for RMHC.
Other cause-related initiatives taking place at McDonald's restaurants, include:
- United States — Until Nov. 20, customers can join the annual "Give A Hand" in-restaurant fundraising program. The paper hands are sold for $1 each, with all proceeds going to RMHC. At participating restaurants on Nov. 20, $1 from select menu items sales will be donated to RMHC.
- El Salvador — McDonald's will host a "Build the Tallest Big Mac Tower" contest in restaurants on Nov. 21 and 100 percent of Big Mac sandwich sales will go to local children's charities.
- Singapore — McDonald's is putting the "FUN" back in FUNdraising by encouraging kids to submit creative ideas to help other kids in need. They will bring the best "kids helping kids" idea to life across the country.
- Sweden — McDonald's teamed with the popular singing star Sibel to create a comprehensive campaign with community and in-restaurant activities and exciting digital elements such as donating via text message.
