This year’s McHappy Day will certainly put smiles on the faces of many Comox Valley children.
With a total of $7,000 raised on May 8 at the three local McDonald’s locations, half the proceeds will go to the Comox Valley Child Development Association to help fund their outdoor playground and courtyard.
The other half of the funds raised through specific purchases and customer donations will go towards Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Joanne Schroeder, executive director of the CVCDA, said construction hasn’t started on the play area yet but it will feature a new climber and a natural play area. There will also be a herb garden where kids can use their green thumbs.
“We really need an outdoor play space, but we don’t receive any funding for those kinds of expenses,” said Schroeder. “Any kinds of capital expenses are very hard to manage and we can’t do it without McHappy Day.”
This is the fourth year McHappy Day funds have been donated to the CVCDA. Last year, money raised went to fund the construction of the new Autism Centre.
Jessica Aldred owns and operates the local McDonald’s locations with her husband, Stuart, and says this year, they had 60 volunteers come out to help at the three restaurants.
“We feel very grateful to live here in the Comox Valley and we’re proud to work with our crew and members of the community and customers to support organizations that we know help families in the Valley,” she said. “We’re very pleased with how things rolled out this year and we’re looking forward to next year.”
jolene.rudisuela@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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