Five Counties is McHappy Day beneficiary again
Five Counties Children's Centre is pleased to be chosen, for the second year in a row, as the children's-charity beneficiary for McHappy Day on May 8. Photo by Five Counties Children's Centre.
By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Cobourg and Port Hope
Five Counties Children's Centre is pleased to announce that it has been chosen, again, as the local kids' charity to benefit from the May 8 McHappy Day at Cobourg and Port Hope McDonalds restaurants for a second straight year.
In 2024, the announcement noted that McHappy Day in Cobourg and Port Hope raised a best-ever total of $30,000 in support of children's charities. While $7,500 went to Ronald McDonald House Charities (which provide out-of-town families a place to stay while their child is being treated in hospital), the lion's share of $22,500 supported Five Counties and the services they provide for Northumberland children and youth with physical, developmental and communication needs.
McHappy Day is an annual event in McDonalds restaurants across Canada in support of both Ronald McDonald House Charities and local kids' charities, with donations collected and a portion of sales donated. Last year's McHappy Day raised a record-breaking $8.9-million across Canada.
Lisa Wilson, owner and operator of Cobourg and Port Hope McDonald's restaurants, is delighted to learn of Five Counties being the designated charity for 2025.
“Our amazing teams in Port Hope and Cobourg look forward to serving our guests and supporting Five Counties Children's Centre and Ronald McDonald House Charities as they make a difference for the children and families in our communities,” Wilson said in the announcement.
As of McHappy Day 2024, Wilson's Cobourg and Port Hope restaurants have raised more than $175,000 for these causes since 2014.
“Lisa and her entire team at McDonalds were gracious and enthusiastic hosts for McHappy Day in 2024, and Five Counties feels very privileged to again partner on the event in 2025,” Five Counties Chief Executive Officer Scott Pepin said.
“We hope to repeat the success of 2024 and encourage everyone to come out to McHappy Day on May 8 to enjoy a McDonald's meal or treat, knowing that your purchase will support Five Counties in its work treating children and youth in Northumberland County.”
The announcement comes in the year when Five Counties is marking its 50th anniversary. Last year, nearly 1,600 Northumberland children and youth benefitted from its programming.
There are 16 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada, as well as 17 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms located within hospitals. In a typical year, this network of programs helps to keep more than 26,000 families in Canada close to their sick child and the care that they need.
