Just over $24,270 was raised for The HUB in Sarnia during McHappy Day.
Customers waited in long lines to purchase Big Mac's, Happy Meals, McCafe beverages and other merchandise to benefit the local youth program.
Rebound Sarnia-Lambton Fundraising Coordinator Emma Mallon says the money raised will go toward the Hub's day-to-day operations.
"The operational expenses help cover the staff that supervise the space," says Mallon. "It's open six days a week so we ensure we always have two staff available, and now that the weather is getting warmer the numbers have reached approximately 30 youth a day. Just having qualified staff on hand to support the youth is really important and that is our major expense that this money will go to help cover."
Mallon says the community support has been vital in keeping the space up and running out of St. Luke's United Church.
"It was really heartwarming to be out there to meet all the volunteers and so many community members who came to McDonald's, not just to purchase a meal that would go towards the tally but also to buy merchandise and make donations to The HUB," says Mallon. "It was just a fantastic day and we're so grateful that everyone got behind the charity."
More than 1,400 restaurants in Canada participated in McHappy day raising funds for Ronald McDonald Houses and other local charities.
The Lambton Shriners Motor Corp. donated $1,000 towards the Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario.
