McHappy Day a hit in St. Marys

Krissy Nickle from the St. Marys local McDonald’s was all smiles as she worked a busy shift looking after Ronald McDonald House Charities supporters on McHappy Day.

By Wendy Lamond

May 8 was once again McDonald’s Canada McHappy Day across the country, during which a portion of every order goes towards Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

Since its first McHappy Day in 1977, over $100 million has been raised for this worthwhile cause, which helps families stay close to their sick children. Customers at McDonald’s in St. Marys lined up both inside and at the drive thru to support such an important day.

St. Marys residents Jenn and Jason Brodhagen recently spent nearly three months in Toronto at the Ronald McDonald House as their daughter Leandra was bravely fighting for her life at Sick Kids Hospital.

“These were the darkest, most uncertain days we have ever faced, and we truly don’t know how we would have made it through without the incredible support and care provided by this remarkable charity,” said Jenn Brodhagen.

Ronald McDonald house is not just a place to stay but a home where families can feel safe, warm and welcomed with a place to sleep, eat and get the strength they need to take with them back to the hospital. The house provides extra essentials and small comforts like laundry facilities, which helped the Brodhagens cope when everything else was chaotic.

Jenn Brodhagen also said that what touched them the most was the kindness and compassion of the staff. They were always respectful and supportive, offering help in any way that they could. Being in the house with other families, including another St. Marys family, gave them a feeling of community. Jenn Brodhagen said her family could not have gotten through their experience without the help of RMHC, making McHappy Day even more important.

“We are also deeply grateful to our community for their ongoing support of this worthy charity,” Jenn Brodhagen said. “Knowing that our neighbours, local organizations and donors continue to uphold this incredible cause means so much. Your generosity made it possible for us and so many others to have a place to rest our weary heads, find nourishment and hold on to hope.”

The Brodhagens will forever be thankful for the Ronald McDonald House and to everyone who supports it, as it directly impacts the lives of families in their greatest time of need.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you,” Jenn Brodhagen said.