By Geoff Smith

Dignitaries help make a “McHappy Day” in the Battlefords

May 4, 2016 | 3:18 PM

The owner and operator of the McDonald’s restaurant in North Battleford feels comforted to know families of children with serious illness have a place to stay.

Across Canada, McDonald’s Restaurants spent McHappy Day Wednesday, May 4 raising money to help support Ronald McDonald House in locations near major hospitals, including in Saskatoon. Between 40 and 50 dignitaries were expected at the North Battleford McDonald’s to help in the kitchen, serve food behind the counter, and otherwise help promote the fundraiser.

“It is nice to see that there is a house available for people of our community to use if necessary,” owner Sharon Taylor said. She was told there have been more long-term stays recently.

Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan opened in Saskatoon in 1985. It expanded in 2014 to include 34 rooms. Last year, the location helped 929 Saskatchewan families, including 85 from the Battlefords, 81 from Meadow Lake, and 83 from Lloydminster.

“I know that this spring they’ve been up to full capacity at different times throughout the house. The expansion has definitely helped,” Taylor said. She expects an increase in demand when the Children’s Hospital of Saskatchewan opens.

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The first Ronald McDonald House was established in Philadelphia in 1974. They are now located in 37 countries, providing home-like accommodations close to hospitals for a nominal fee.

During McHappy Day the restaurants donate one dollar from every Big Mac, Happy Meal, and McCafe beverage sold. In 2015 the Battlefords and Meadow Lake locations raised $7,500 on McHappy Day.

gsmith@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @smithco