McDonald’s & RMHC Connection
Who owns and operates Ronald McDonald House?
Each of the 12 Ronald McDonald House programs in Canada is owned and operated by an individual independent non-profit community organization.
Hamilton's Ronald McDonald House is individually incorporated and is owned and operated by Kids Care Oncology of Central West Ontario.
How is Ronald McDonald House funded?
While McDonald's and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Canada, is a long-term committed partner to us, we have a significant need to fundraise in the community. RMHC of Canada guarantees every house in Canada a minimum annual contribution of $100,000 to assist in operating costs and funds 50 per cent of major renovations and capital improvements.
For Hamilton, this amount alone is approximately 20 per cent of our operating costs. In addition to this commitment, the house also receives considerable in-kind and cash support through events, suppliers, coin boxes and McHappy Day. The remaining amount of our operating budget is raised through individual and corporate donations.
What is Ronald McDonald House Charities?
Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of Canada is a registered charity that is dedicated to helping children with serious illnesses or disabilities, and their families, lead happier and healthier lives. RMHC achieves this by supporting each Canadian Ronald McDonald House®, the Ronald McDonald Family Room® Program and by awarding grants to many other children’s charities across the country.
Since its inception in 1982, RMHC Canada has awarded more than $58 million in grants to the 12 Ronald McDonald Houses, the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and to many children’s charities across Canada. This support has benefited thousands of children and families in more than 600 communities.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Global creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children worldwide. RMHC is a non-profit organization with local chapters currently operating in 50 countries and regions. Each local RMHC chapter is a separate public charity, operated by a local Board of Directors. In addition to its cornerstone Ronald McDonald House program, the chapters support a variety of other programs which may include a Ronald McDonald Family Room, a Ronald McDonald Care Mobile or scholarships.
How is McDonald’s Restaurants related to Ronald McDonald HOUSE Charities?
To generate funds for RMHC, franchisees and the corporation leverage their resources to implement national and local promotions. Collectively, they utilize their restaurants, advertising dollars, packaging, and crew to create customer awareness and support. Through the years, they have raised millions of dollars to help Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada fulfill its mission.
McDonald's and Ronald McDonald House Charities and its programs have a partnership that dates back to the inception of the charitable organization. McDonald's, its franchisees, crew members, suppliers and business partners all work to support the Charity.
In addition, McDonald’s and its franchisees donate 10 cents of every Happy Meal to RMHC.
What is the relationship between McDonald's and Ronald McDonald Houses?
Members of the McDonald's family serve as volunteers on the boards and committees of the local Houses, working along side other members of their community. In addition to in-store fundraising efforts, McDonald's franchisees participate in many local events for the Houses, including golf tournaments and galas. Houses can also directly access help from McDonald's corporate, division and regional employees, in areas such as, legal, tax, accounting, safety and security, human resources, communications, marketing, and facility construction and maintenance.
McDonald's suppliers are also encouraged to get involved through the donation of gifts in kind, monetary donations and support for local funding raising events.
What is the 10 cent Happy Meal donation program?
McDonald's 10-cent Happy Meal donation program is an initiative that allows McDonald's customers to support Ronald McDonald House Charities every time they visit participating McDonald's restaurants across Canada. As of January 2004, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada began to donate 10 cents from the sale of every Happy Meal to Ronald McDonald House Charities. To date this program has raised $20 million for RMHC.
How do the Houses benefit from the 10 cent Happy Meal program?
As a result of the McDonald's 10 cent Happy Meal program Ronald McDonald House Charities provides each Canadian House with a minimum contribution of $100,000 to assist in operating costs. In addition RMHC will continue to fund 50 per cent of major renovations and capital improvements. This financial support is significant and greatly appreciated however the Houses will still need the support of their local communities to meet the majority of their financial obligations.