By Nick Dube

McHappy Day

McHappy Day serves up meals for a good cause

May 9, 2025 | 1:18 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Thursday was McHappy day across Canada and all seven Prince George locations were in full swing offering tasty bites in support of the Ronald McDonald House program.

The Ronald McDonald house is a charitable program that provides a safe place to stay in addition to meals, compassionate care and support near a children’s hospital. Founded in 1977 there are currently 16 houses across Canada.

Throughout the day a portion of all food, beverage and merchandise sales go directly to the RMHC. In addition to this some locations also contribute to local children’s charities, raising funds for programs and families across the community.

At the Massey Drive McDonald’s location the charitable location of choice was the Prince George Child Development Centre. Operations Manager Eric Simmons said “It’s the thirty first McHappy day and all McDonald’s restaurants across Canada participate in giving back to Ronald McDonald house as well some choose to give back to another local charity within the community”.

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McHappy day is the single largest fundraiser for the RMHC across Canada raising over $100 million dollars over 30 years. The funds are used to support programs with the charity which help the families in need.

Ronald McDonald House Vice-president of Philanthropy Stephanie Mosher said “it’s more then just a home away from home, we provide programs for not only the child patient but also their siblings and their parents which could be anything from music therapy, art therapy, education and daily family meals”.

For the parents of the children and their families the RMHC is a calming presence at a time when the stress and worry can be overwhelming.

For father Derek Turnbull who’s son Mavrik has been battling high-risk cancer the house has been a safe haven for him and his family. Turnbull says ” When we are able to be there its great. A lot of times were in the hospital but to have a place for us to go as well to wind down or get a half decent night of sleep, its been a lifesaver for us”.

To support the Ronald McDonald house year-round you can go to www.rmhccanada.ca