Join in Helping Families Around the Globe During Month-Long World Children's Day
at McDonald's Fund-Raising Events
OAK BROOK, Ill., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire- AsiaNet/ --
Power of social media networks tapped to support 'Give A Hand for Ronald McDonald
House Charities'
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,
About McDonald's
McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 31,000 local
restaurants in 118 countries. More than 75 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide
are owned and operated by franchisees and affiliates. Please visit
About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and
supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. Its programs
are grassroots-driven to enable the Charity to offer help where children need it most -- right
in their own
communities. RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children's lives through its
global network of local Chapters in 52 countries and its three core programs: the Ronald
McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.
These programs provide a bridge to accessible health care and allow families more time
together, which help in the healing
process. RMHC and its global network of local Chapters also have awarded more
than $460 million in grants and program services to children's programs around
(C)2008 McDonald's
McDonald's, World Children's Day at McDonald's, the World Children's Day logo, Ronald
McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room,
RMHC, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, Give A Hand and Big Mac are trademarks of
McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates.
CONTACTS:
For more information, contact:
Soraya Garcia, McDonald's Global Communications
+1 630 623-2163 or soraya.garcia@us.mcd.com
Lisa McComb, McDonald's Media Relations
+1 630 623-3707 or lisa.mccomb@us.mcd.com
Molly A. Lynch, GolinHarris
+1 312 729-4227 or mlynch@golinharris.com
SOURCE: McDonald's
CONTACT: Soraya Garcia, McDonald's Global Communications,
+1-630-623-2163,
soraya.garcia@us.mcd.com, or
Lisa McComb, McDonald's Media Relations,
+1-630-623-3707
lisa.mccomb@us.mcd.com; or
Molly A. Lynch of GolinHarris,
+1-312-729-4227,
mlynch@golinharris.com,
for Ronald McDonald House Charities
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