NORTH BAY – The owners of McDonald’s restaurants in North Bay and Sturgeon Falls presented two cheques of $3,895.71 each, to One Kids Place Children’s Treatment Centre (OKP) and North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) Foundation . The donation was made possible through the restaurant’s McHappy Day initiative, which annually donates a portion of the total proceeds to local charities.
Colin and Vanessa MacWhirter, owners, moved to our community in 2019 and have continued this wonderful tradition of supporting youth through their McHappy Day proceeds.
“We are grateful to our community for coming out to support McHappy Day with such enthusiasm. There was also an incredible amount of engagement from our staff who took on the initiative of incorporating more fundraising activities such as the Pie in the Face!” shared the MacWhirters. “Volunteers and greeters at our restaurants make this day special. They bring their smiles and cheer while helping us support our community,” said Colin MacWhirter. “We are proud to be a part of making a difference in our community. Together, we are ensuring children and youth have access to the care they need, close to home,” he added.
“McDonald’s donation to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit (CAMHU) ‘Wrap-Around Fund’ supports patients both in their transition from hospital to home, and in their recovery journey in the community. When youth and their families are requiring the supports of CAMHU, their family routines and plans are impacted at a most difficult time in their lives. With these funds, we can better support patients and their families with the tools and resources needed for their recovery,” said Kelly Smirle, Manager, CAMHU.
“One Kids Place recently launched our Family Support Program which is a funding initiative designed to support the individual needs of our children, youth and families. The Family Support Program takes a personalized approach to financial assistance requests for children and families accessing services at One Kids Place regardless of means, diagnosis or need. Our donation from this McDonald’s initiative will enable us to further assist our families and provide valuable supports and unique equipment that may otherwise be unattainable. Thank you McHappy Day!” said Katharine Strang, Development Officer, One Kids Place.
Katharine Strang, Development Officer, One Kids Place and Tammy Morison, President and CEO, NBRHC Foundation are grateful to be included in the McHappy Day initiative and thank the MacWhirter family, the staff at McDonald’s and all of the volunteers from McHappy Day. The community support has grown each year, and they congratulate them on their ongoing success and their commitment to our community and our youth.
Photo: Tammy Morison, President & CEO, NBRHC Foundation; Dan MacWhirter, Regional Marketing Specialist, McDonald’s Restaurants, North Bay & Sturgeon Falls; Katharine Strang, Development Officer, One Kids Place