SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — McHappy Day

Honourable senators, I rise in the Senate to raise awareness of an important event taking place today across Canada that helps families with critically sick and injured children stay close to their child’s hospital care. It’s McHappy Day.

McHappy Day is McDonald’s largest fundraising day and one of the most meaningful days for families at Ronald McDonald Houses across this great country. Since its inception in 1977, McHappy Day has supported hundreds of thousands of families across Canada, including my own a few years ago. Each year, on this day, a portion of proceeds from every food and beverage item sold at every McDonald’s across the country supports programs and services at Ronald McDonald Houses nationwide, while also supporting numerous other local children’s charities.

I can’t overstate the importance and meaningful support provided by Ronald McDonald Houses across the country. These charities offer far more than just a place to stay for families. Across the country, they provide essential services that help to remove barriers, provide a sense of normalcy and stability for families and promote healing in one of the most stressful and emotionally challenging moments of these families’ lives.

In fact, in 2025, families saved $72.3 million in out-of-pocket expenses because of Ronald McDonald House Charities supporting approximately 2,900 communities across Canada.

I had the pleasure of touring the Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic’s new facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia last summer and spent the morning with Richard Pass, interim CEO of the Atlantic house and CEO of the B.C. house. These houses help ensure that families can stay together and support each other during their time of need.

On McHappy Day, you can directly support their work by visiting McDonald’s for a bite to eat.

Last year alone, McHappy Day raised over $1.4 million for Ronald McDonald House Toronto, providing the equivalent of 6,140 nights of comfort for families of sick children. If this was for only one Ronald McDonald House, imagine the immense impact that this fundraiser has across all provinces and territories in this country.

Honourable colleagues, on this McHappy Day, I hope you can join me in supporting and celebrating Ronald McDonald Houses across the country that are providing steadfast and compassionate support for sick children and their families when they need it most.

Thank you. Meegwetch.