$11,000 raised for McHappy Day Donations

Local Journalism Initiative

May 21, 2024 at 11:04 a.m.·2 min read

The local community's incredible generosity knows no bounds! On a heartwarming Wednesday, May 8, our community rallied together and raised an astounding $11,000 in donations for McHappy Day, benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities. These donations play a vital role in providing essential accommodations, food, and support to families with children undergoing medical treatment.

In addition to supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities, the generous contributions also go towards the Thompson Addictions Foundation of Manitoba North (AFM), a program provided by the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM) that offers a wide range of services and supports related to alcohol, substance use, and problem gambling. The programs follow a biopsychosocial-spiritual model of addictions, acknowledging that addictions stem from various factors.

Ouzzy Traore, the proud owner of Thompson McDonald's, expressed his heartfelt gratitude, saying, “McHappy Day is truly one of my favorite days of the year. We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from the community. My staff put in a tremendous effort on the day of the event and the day before.” This remarkable event shattered all previous records, reaching over $11,000 in donations.

City of Thompson Deputy Mayor Kathy Valentino and Thompson Fire & Emergency Services Deputy Chief Ashling Sweeny played a pivotal role in the fundraising efforts, collecting McHappy Day donations during the lunch hour rush at the McDonald's drive-thru.

Traore also shared, "One of the things I’m really proud of is the Northern people really utilize this service because when they go to Winnipeg with their sick children, they are the ones that need a place to stay to keep their family together. I met some guests that have used this when their kids were sick and it warms my heart to hear the stories of how we were able to help with this service.”

While McDonald's hosts various fundraisers throughout the year, McHappy Day stands out as their most significant and impactful event. Traore added, “This is the one I’m most proud of.”

~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

Matthias Johnson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Thompson Citizen

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