Image Credit: CFJC Today / Jill Sperling

By Jill Sperling

McHappy Day

McHappy Day helps families stay together through thick and thin

May 8, 2019 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Volunteers from the community are helping out at McDonalds on a day when a small purchase can make a big difference.

“Today we are donating one dollar from the proceeds from a Big Mac, a coffee, or a Happy Meal to the Ronald McDonald House,” said Guest Experience Leader Joel Leask. “But, we’re also giving away shirts for donations and whatnot, and pins and socks.”

The Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for families who have had to travel to stay close to their sick children. Many customers chose their lunch spot with the specific intent of donating to Ronald McDonald House charities.

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It’s a cause close to the heart of long-time McHappy Day volunteer Sarah Irvine.

Image Credit: CFJC Today / Jill Sperling

“McHappy Day is really important to me because I have a niece who had some complications at birth and spent a large portion of her time at the Ronald McDonald House down at the coast at Vancouver Children’s Hospital and continues to spend a lot of time down there,” said Irvine. “I think having gone through that, I’ve gotten to see first hand what it’s like for families to be displaced like and have just been handed, you know some of the worst news of their lives.”

Irvine sits on the organizing committee for the Ronald McDonald House charities family room that is slated to come to Kamloops.

“I think it’s exceptionally important for us to have a local place like that at our hospital, which is now becoming an option, that will support tons of local families in surrounding communities to be able to stay close to their kids when they’ve been admitted to the hospital for significant periods of time,” said Irvine.

Image Credit: CFJC Today / Jill Sperling

Nicole de Pfyffer stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for eight months in 2015 and 16, when her son Ben was diagnosed with leukemia at three and a half years old.

“They relieve the burden so all you have to do is focus on your child who’s fighting whatever battle they’re fighting. They take care of food, you don’t have to worry about going to get groceries and then do cooking if you can’t, if you don’t have other support, there’s always that there available to you.”

Ben had his last chemo treatment in March and de Pfyffer says her family is incredibly grateful for the Ronald McDonald House.

“If anyone can give just a little bit here and there every little bit helps, and it helps families like us that had to stay there,” said de Pfyffer.

McHappy Day is just for one day, but the donations given today can mean a world of difference to families in need.