McHappy Day a fun way to help GBGH, families needing care away from home

‘A great community event,’ says Georgian Bay General Hospital president/CEO on annual fundraiser to help MRI funding and nationwide charities for families with sick children

A blank cheque expected to have over $15,000 written on it by tomorrow was held by members of the Midland McHappy Day fundraiser event. (Left to right:) Matthew Lawson, president/CEO Georgian Bay General Hospital; Carol Cruden, owner/operator of Midland McDonald’s restaurant; Nicole Kraftscik, CEO GBGH Foundation; Mark Cruden, owner Midland McDonald’s; Robyn Blanchet, community giving officer GBGH Foundation; Victoria Evans, key relationships officer GBGH Foundation.Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Smiles were free at the Midland and Elmvale McDonald’s restaurants for the annual McHappy Day fundraising event, celebrating its 30th anniversary across Canada.

Those smiles were due to the charitable patrons, who while purchasing their meals, knew that a portion of each sale from menu items would go toward the Georgian Bay General Hospital in helping to fund an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine for the Midland hospital.

While holding a blank cheque for the event, Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation CEO Nicole Kraftscik said that the amount raised would be tallied on Thursday with a number expected between $15,000 to $20,000.

Funds raised will split with one half toward the GBGH Foundation, and numerous Ronald McDonald House Charities for the other half. The 2023 campaign raised a record-breaking $30,000, with $15,000 going to the GBGH Foundation.

“It’s a great community event,” said GBGH president/CEO Matthew Lawson.

“It certainly helps raise awareness for Ronald McDonald House and the causes at the hospital, and raises funds because it’s all community giving that drives these projects forward for GBGH.”

McHappy Day has raised over $92.5 million across Canada since 1994. Ronald McDonald House Charities support families through accommodations, food and mental health and wellness support while their child is receiving medical treatment.

Buckets filled with donations were being held by numerous people throughout the day with Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment commander Insp. Todd Pittman collecting at the restaurant's drive-thru during the morning rain.

Of the McHappy Day Socks and Hearts sales, Bounce 104.1 morning host Maarten Vankooy said he was surprised that the socks had been the most demanded item, selling out early in the morning; patrons would still be able to purchase paper hearts along with their meal throughout the day.

Owner/operators of the Midland and Elmvale restaurants, Mark and Carol Cruden were on hand to help serve the lunch-hour rush from local students, while fielding media obligations.

“Hearing guests tell us stories about how they stayed at Ronald McDonald House or a visit to the hospital; hearing those stories back to us is meaningful to us,” said Mark.

Kraftscik added, “It’s the best part.” A statement agreed upon by everyone.