It's not often that I mention or promote McDonald's on this blog, but this is a exception I am happy to make. I was born with a hole in my heart, for which I had corrective surgery in Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin in 1989. The surgery was a complete success, and all has been in good working order for the last 23 years.
I barely even registered that I was having surgery, I was having such a blast in this amazing hospital. There were toy rooms, TVs on trolleys and lots of other kids with which to play. However, I can only imagine how worrying the whole experience was for my parents. But the staff of Our Lady's did everything they could to make things comfortable for my mother and father.
Ronald McDonald House offers accommodation for the parents of sick children on the grounds of Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin since 2004. It is funded and operated by the independent charity RHMC, who will have their national fundraising day McHappy Day on November 24th. €1 will be donated from the sale of every Big Mac on the day, while McDonald's restaurants nationwide will also sell RHMC festive santa hats from November 24th to December 5th for just €2.
Shane Jennings launches McHappy Day 2012 |
It costs €300,000 annually to run RHMC, and the charity receives no funding or financial support from either the hospital or the Government. It relies solely on fundraising and donations to be able to continue to provide a "home away from home" for over 2,200 families to date.
Leinster and Ireland rugby star, and Board Member of RHMC, Shane Jennings
Ronald McDonald House is an important resource for parents who are caring for children who are seriously ill. Having to be out of home for long periods of time to be close to their children can cause major stress emotionally and financially, this is where RHMC steps in. The idea is simple, nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child.
So make sure that you get yourself to a McDonald's this Saturday, November 24th and order a Big Mac. You can also drop your change into the collection box on the counter. Any parent who has taken care of a very sick child will know that this is a truly good cause!
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