It’s a day when a burger can bring more than just satisfaction — it can bring families closer to care, as funds from every McDonald’s meal sold on May 6 will support Ronald McDonald House Charities and local family programs.
Suzanne Pescod, director of marketing and communications with Ronald McDonald House Charities, said Wednesday, May 6 is McHappy Day, when proceeds from food and beverage sales at McDonald’s locations will help families with seriously ill children stay close to care, including those from Lethbridge and surrounding communities.
Pescod said the impact of the program is felt daily by both families and those who support them.
“I am constantly amazed by both the families that are staying at the Ronald McDonald House, the strength that they display, the community that they display. It couldn’t be a more fulfilling role to work in,” she said. “And then on the flip side of it, I get the opportunity to work with, alongside team members and volunteers who do everything in their power to help ease the burden for families who are going through a medical journey.”
Pescod said that support ranges from small acts of kindness to major commitments of time.
“You can’t help but be inspired by that every single day. Everything from the little kids, you know, donating their birthday money for toys for the magic room to our shuttle driver volunteers who, in their retirement, are probably actually working more hours than they ever did day-to-day driving those shuttles.”
Pescod said connections formed between families are among the most memorable aspects of the program, especially as families can spend weeks or even months at Ronald McDonald House locations.
“I’ve been really fortunate to meet quite a few families, and I think in that, I think a lot about the friendships that some of the kids made between each other.”
“They’re coming from different areas of the province, they’re ending up somewhere that’s not home and not somewhere that they’re familiar with.”
She said the friendships created at these locations are very meaningful, as families come together to celebrate each other’s birthdays and other special days.
“There’s a deep well of empathy that they express to each other because they understand what it’s like to either be in treatment or have a sibling in treatment.”
According to Ronald McDonald House Charities, more than 120 families from Lethbridge or within 40 kilometres accessed services in 2025, highlighting the need for continued community support.
Funds raised on McHappy Day help cover accommodations, meals and programming for families, including art therapy, pet therapy and other activities designed to bring comfort during difficult times.
“A lot of families show up at the Ronald McDonald House never thinking they needed to stay there,” Pescod said. “Sometimes they’re showing up by air ambulance or ground ambulance. They don’t have a bag with them. They don’t have their vehicle with them. So it’s a really challenging moment.”
She said families are welcomed into a calm, supportive environment where essentials are provided and worries beyond medical care are eased.
“When you walk into that Ronald McDonald House, you are immediately greeted by a team member… and you can feel that sense of kind of calm and patience,” she said. “If you’ve shown up with things that you don’t have… we make sure that you get access to those things.”
Despite the challenges families face, Pescod said moments of joy remain an important part of the experience.
“Although you’re going through one of the most challenging times in your life, you’re still creating memories with your family. You’re still having some smiles. There’s still a giggle happening,” she said. “A lot of the kids especially talk about how it was a really fun time in their lives.”
In addition to McHappy Day, Ronald McDonald House Charities is expanding its presence in southern Alberta, including a new golf tournament planned in Lethbridge later in May aimed at bringing the community together in support of local families.
With fundraising efforts already gaining momentum, Pescod said community involvement continues to exceed expectations.
“The Lethbridge community, you are really showing up,” she said, noting early support ahead of upcoming events.
As McHappy Day is on Wednesday, May 6 at all McDonalds locations across Alberta. Outside of just purchasing a meal donations can be made my rounding up your order to the nearest dollar at the kiosk, counter, or drive-thru and by purchasing limited edition McHappy Day socks and hearts.
