McDONALD'S CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTIY
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Power of social media networks tapped to support "Give a Hand for Ronald McDonald House Charities"

November 17, 2008

OAK BROOK, Ill. – Nov. 17, 2008 – After her daughter was diagnosed with a tumor five years ago, Diane Kallas-Zuvich knows first hand how important Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to helping kids and families in need.  That’s why she is supporting World Children’s Day (WCD) by already sharing 100 “Give A Hand for Ronald McDonald House Charities” online widgets with her family and friends.  

 

RMHC helps more than 10,000 families a day through its 282 Ronald McDonald Houses in 33 countries.  RMHC also helps children in need through its Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles.  In addition, the charity funds other children’s causes around the world.

 

“Whenever I’m nearby the Manhattan Ronald House where we stayed when Dominique was sick, I drop off videos, books and toys to help out,” said Kallas-Zuvich.  “I’m so glad that this World Children’s Day I have the opportunity to share my passion for RMHC with thousands of others online.”

 

World Children’s Day at McDonald’s is a month-long, worldwide annual fundraising effort to benefit RMHC and other children’s charities.  The “Give A Hand for Ronald McDonald House Charities” widget (an online way to share information) on MySpace and other popular social networking sites is part of the comprehensive campaign for people to learn more about RMHC and inspire them to raise awareness and funds for RMHC.

 

McDonald’s franchisees, suppliers, employees and customers, along with RMHC supporters and volunteers, have helped raise more than $124 million for families like the Kallas-Zuvichs in local communities across the globe through the last six World Children’s Day efforts. 

“World Children’s Day is all about leveraging the scope of McDonald’s to better the lives of children around the world,” said Mary Dillon, chief marketing officer, who is McDonald’s global executive sponsor for WCD this year.  “As a mom, I’m energized by what McDonald’s can do when we all come together to help children in need.  This year, we’ve made it even more simple and easy for people to join and help children and families.  The more people know about RMHC, the more they want to help.”

 

In addition to the widget, World Children’s Day at McDonald’s comes to life this year through community events, benefit concerts and neighborhood festivals.  Many other cause-related initiatives also taking place at McDonald’s restaurants, including:

 

·          El Salvador – McDonald’s will host a “Build the Tallest Big Mac Tower” contest in restaurants on November 21 and 100% of Big Mac sandwich sales will go to local children’s charities.

·          Singapore – McDonald’s is putting the “FUN” back in FUNdraising by encouraging kids to submit creative ideas to help other kids in need.  They will bring the best “kids helping kids” idea to life across the country.

·          Sweden – McDonald’s teamed with the popular singing star Sibel to create a comprehensive campaign with community and in-restaurant activities and exciting digital elements such as donating via text message.

·          USA – From November 10 – 20, customers can join the annual “Give A Hand” in-restaurant fundraising program. The paper hands are sold for $1 each, with all proceeds going to RMHC. At participating restaurants on November 20, $1 from select menu items sales will be donated to RMHC.

  

 

To learn more about World Children’s Day and McDonald's support of RMHC, visit http://www.mcdepk.com/wcd2008.

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