McHappy Day back in town on May 8

By Heather Cameron
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During the M.D. of Taber Council meeting on April 8, Council reviewed an invitation from Aline Holmen Aline Holmen, Director of Fundraising and Development for the Taber and District Health Foundation for Council to attend and participate in McHappy Day on Thursday, May 8.

“This year marks the 31st McHappy Day for McDonald’s Canada,” said Holman’s letter. “It is the company’s longest running and largest charitable initiative with more than 1,400 McDonald’s restaurants celebrating McHappy Day this year, in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities across Canada and other children’s charities.”

Holman’s letter shared that one in four Canadians has either been supported by Ronald McDonald House Charities or someone who has, and the need continuous to grow. 

Today, Holman’s letter stated, Ronald McDonald House Charities is unable to support four out of five families that needs its services due to the lack of space or no available program location. In 2022, Holman’s letter stated, a goal was set to donate over $70 million to RMHC across Canada by 2026 to help grow the number of bedrooms for families across Canada, help RMHC serve more meals, and offer more mental health and wellbeing resources so families can focus on what matters most: caring for their sick child.

Last year, Holman’s letter stated, $8.9 million was raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities and other local charities across Canada.

“We’re confident that we can do even better this year, but we’ll need your help,” said Holman’s letter. “It is a time-honoured McHappy Day tradition for civic and community leaders to celebrate this special day and its fundraising efforts in-person at local McDonald’s restaurants. In partnership with Jordan Brown, who is your local McDonald’s franchisee for Brooks, Taber, and Coaldale, I would like to invite you to attend this event to show support and participate alongside our restaurant team during McHappy Day.”

Holman’s letter established that 75 percent of the proceeds will go to Taber and District Health Foundation (TDHF), while 25 percent will be allocated to RMHC Alberta.

“Taber and District Health Foundation strives to enhance the health care you and your family receive at the Taber Health Centre and facilities in Barnwell, Grassy Lake, Enchant, Hays, and M.D. of Taber and Vauxhall,” said Holman’s letter. “Your involvement would offer a tremendous boost to the success of the event and help to further Taber and District Health Foundation and Ronald McDonald’s House’s efforts to support families.”

Holman’s letter also outlined other ways that Council could support McHappy Day if they so chose, including bronze, silver, and gold sponsor opportunities available with the Gold – $500 and above Silver – $300, Bronze – $200. Sponsors, Holman’s letter explained, will be recognized on a poster in the restaurant as well as on social media. Donations for items towards the Health Foundation’s raffle are also welcome, Holman’s letter stated, and they will be gratefully received.

Holman’s letter concluded by inviting Council to contact Cristina Badeo, Operations Consultant for McDonald’s Restaurants in Brooks, Taber, and Coaldale at 403-795-7988 or email Cristina.badeo@post.mcdonalds.ca if they had questions about McHappy Day or to book their VIP time.

A motion was made that the M.D. of Taber accept the upcoming meetings and events schedule, which included the invitation, and the motion was carried.