Markham local franchisee leads Canada in McHappy Day fundraiser

How much can a person achieve? Local franchisee Marcia Finlayson, the top Canadian fundraiser for McHappy Day since 2017, has raised nearly $2 million to date.

This year, Finlayson and her team in Markham-Stouffville once again became the top fundraisers in Canada on McHappy Day, raising $245,000.

Thanks to the efforts of Finlayson’s team and the support of Canadians from across the country, more than $8.9 million was raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Canada and various local children's charities.

Finlayson understands that the key to a successful McHappy Day is mobilizing her employees and their connection to the community.

On May 8, her team transformed the restaurant and invited community members, including local mayors, councillors, firefighters, and other community leaders, to experience the happiest of McHappy Days. They also connected with local businesses to encourage donations on that day.

“As a local McDonald’s franchisee, I am proud and humbled to give back and support the communities we serve. I’ve been proudly supporting RMHC since 1983, first as a house volunteer," she said.

Finlayson took inspiration from the families she met along the way to fuel her passion for the charity. She and her team are committed to connecting with individuals and businesses in the community to raise essential funds not only on McHappy Day but every day for RMHC.

Finlayson was a ‘crew’ member back in London for the first McHappy Day. In 1986, she helped open the London Ronald McDonald House, and when she and her husband became franchisees, they worked with Markham Stouffville Hospital to open the Ronald McDonald Family Room.

As an active member of the Ronald McDonald House Toronto Board, Finlayson has a deep understanding of RMHC and the life-changing benefits of keeping families close during stressful times.

“RMHC provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need health care," she explains. "These services provide a sense of community and relief from social isolation, so families don’t have to navigate their treatment journey alone.”

McDonald’s Canada celebrated its 30th McHappy Day this year.

Scarlett Liu, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Markham Economist & Sun