OAK BROOK, Ill. — Participating U.S. McDonald's restaurants this November will celebrate World Children's Day at McDonald's, an annual program founded in 2002 that raises funds and awareness for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and other children's causes. In addition to traditional fundraising efforts taking place at participating local McDonald's restaurants, for the first time consumers can participate online with a new social networking viral campaign.
McDonald's offers the following in-restaurant and online programs:
- "Give A Hand" for RMHC: From Nov. 10 – 20, paper hands will be sold at participating McDonald's restaurants for $1 each, with all proceeds going to RMHC. On Nov. 20 McDonald's restaurants will donate $1 from the sale of select menu items to RMHC.
- Online Give A Hand: New to this year's campaign is a downloadable "Give A Hand for Ronald McDonald House Charities" online widget application for MySpace or other social networking pages. In addition, supporters can send a Give A Hand to their friends online and pledge their support of RMHC and World Children's Day. For the first 20,000 Give A Hands shared in November, McDonald's will donate $1 per hand to RMHC.
- Celebrity Friends of RMHC: Celebrity Friends of RMHC is holding a series of special events and a new public service announcement to help raise funds and awareness for RMHC. Established during World Children's Day 2007, the Celebrity Friends of RMHC is an extension of the Charity's existing volunteer program. The Celebrity Friends of RMHC will visit:
- Philadelphia (Nov. 10) – Actress and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete will visit with the children and families staying at the new Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House and participate in a "Give a Hand" cookie decorating project
- Miami (Nov. 17) РAng̩lica Vale, actress, singer and comedian, will tour the Ronald McDonald House of Miami & South Florida and participate in a special arts and crafts project with families staying at the House
- New York, (Nov. 20) – Five-time Grammy nominated R&B singer Tamia Hill will perform with the McDonald's Junior Gospel Choir during a World Children's Day celebration at the New York Ronald McDonald House.
- PSA: A national public service announcement will air on U.S. TV and radio stations, featuring Celebrity Friends of RMHC Cindy Crawford, Billy Bush, Ne-Yo and Dayanara Torres, as well as local families who have benefited from the Charity's services. The 30-second and 60-second PSAs focus on volunteerism and giving the gift of time to families in need. It also encourages consumers to get involved during World Children's Day and throughout the year.
