Turning Big Macs into big impacts

This year’s McHappy Day proceeds from McDonalds in Midland, Midland Walmart and Elmvale will go to the Georgian Bay General Hospital.

Midland and Elmvale residents showed their support in a big way, turning Big Macs into big impacts.

Fresh out of the fryer, and straight to a good cause, this year’s McHappy Day helped to raise $40,000 for local healthcare and family support programs.

The annual fundraising event, which has been running for 32 years, took place at locations across the country on May 6. Here in the region, that included McDonald’s restaurants in Midland, Midland Walmart and Elmvale.

It marked the first McHappy Day led by new owner-operators George and Marian Khalil, who say they were overwhelmed by the support shown by customers, staff, volunteers and local partners during their first McHappy Day as owners.

Funds raised during the event will now be split between Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation. Local organizers say the money will help replace aging fetal health and maternal monitoring equipment at GBGH, technology used to monitor babies and mothers during labour and delivery.

Throughout the day, a portion of proceeds from menu sales, along with McHappy Day branded items including paper hearts, hats, and socks, contributed to the final total.