Shane's charity effort
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, November 30. 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 from November 27 until December 11.
All proceeds raised will go to The Ronald McDonald House.
With running costs of €300,000 per 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 more than 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: "RMHC is also looking towards the future where the target is to raise €8million over the next five 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!"
RMHC is an independent organisation run by a board of trustees appointed by the charity.
