Shane Jennings launches McHappy Day for Crumlin Hospital home
Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC), the independent charity that funds and operates Ronald McDonald House accommodation for parents of sick children on the grounds of Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin, has launched its national fundraising drive for 2013, McHappy Day.
McHappy Day will take place on Saturday 30th November. McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland and McDonald’s owner operators nationwide are showing their support for the charity with €1 being donated from every Big Mac sold on the day throughout the 84 McDonald’s restaurants nationwide. RMHC are also selling festive Santa hats in McDonald’s restaurants nationwide from 27th November until 11th December. All proceeds raised will go to The Ronald McDonald House.
With running costs of €300,000 a year, the charity receives no funding or financial support from either the hospital or the Government and relies on fundraising and donations to be able to continue to provide a ‘home away from home’ for over 2,445 families to date from across Ireland.
Leinster and Ireland rugby star and Board Member of RMHC Shane Jennings said: “I’m proud to support the Ronald McDonald House Charity and the important resource that they provide for families who are faced with caring for a seriously ill child. The house becomes a home, providing not only a warm bed but also a place where they can find support from others staying in the house in similar situations. The house allows parents to recharge and focus on being by their child’s side throughout their time in Hospital.”
Marian Carroll, Volunteer CEO of the RMHC said: “McHappy Day is one of RMHC’s most important annual fundraisers. RMHC receives no government funding, relying solely on support of the public and fundraising initiatives to keep this important facility in operation. RMHC is also looking towards the future where the target is to raise €8million over the next 5 years to complete a new house at the new National Children’s Hospital. On Saturday 30th November, for one day only, McDonald’s restaurants will donate €1 to RMHC for every Big Mac sold, so go on treat yourself! Every euro helps! McHappy Day Santa hats will also be on sale for €2 for a limited time only in restaurants nationwide.”
RMHC is an independent charity run by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Charity.