Help out with a Bucket Brigade on McHappy Day!

McHappy Day - Image - Bucket Brigade - 2014 (small)

McHappy Day® is coming up fast and Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) is calling on Geraldton community groups to get behind the big day by forming a ‘Bucket Brigade’ on Saturday 18th October, to help raise more than $3 million for the charity.

The event will take place at McDonald's restaurants in Geraldton and local groups including local businesses, dance groups, the fire brigade and ambulance services, are encouraged to get involved by volunteering their time to help collect donations in fundraising buckets at their local restaurant on the day.

This year’s fundraising target equates to over 23,000 nights’ accommodation in a Ronald McDonald House for families with seriously ill children. Funds raised on the day will go towards a range of RMHC programs including Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, the Ronald McDonald Learning Program and Ronald McDonald Family Retreats Program.

“One in eight people either have been or know someone who has been affected by childhood illness so I am sure there are people in the local community who can relate to the heartache and stress of having a child with a serious illness,” said Mike Hanlon, licensee, McDonald's Geraldton.

“The Bucket Brigades are a simple and easy way for people in the community to get involved and help families with seriously ill children. We are very passionate about reaching our target of $3 million this year."

There are currently 14 Ronald McDonald Houses in Australia but sadly hundreds of families are turned away each month as there is a shortage of rooms to accommodate them all. All funds raised on McHappy Day goes directly to RMHC, and are used to help these Houses expand in order to help more families remain close during challenging times.

A number of Australian celebrities will be doing their bit for McHappy Day to help raise awareness and funds across Australia. Why not join them?

To form a ‘Bucket Brigade’ or get involved at your local McDonald’s please contact the McHappy Day Project Office by e-mailing mchappyday@ppr.com.au