It's a McHappy time for North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society (NOYFSS).
The Vernon-based organization, which runs a multitude of programs aimed at helping youth and families, is the beneficiary of funds raised courtesy of the three local McDonald's Restaurants (two in Vernon, one in Armstrong) from McHappy Day, which was May 8.
Every food and/or drink item purchased on McHappy Day supports families with sick and injured children staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities across Canada, as well as other local children's charities.
NOYFSS received $10,000 from local owner Chris Erickson, who was also able to donate another $10K to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
"It was our first time participating in McHappy Day, and obviously we are proud to have been selected as the charity of choice," said NOYFSS executive director Dean Francks. "The money will have a huge impact on the programs and group services we offer to the community."
McHappy Day is hosted by McDonald’s Canada and its local, independent franchisees, who understand the impact that can be made when a community rallies together to do good. More than 90 per cent of McDonald’s Canadian restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent franchisees, with the remaining corporately owned and operated by McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited.
"I was really impressed with Dean and the span of programs his organization offers," said Erickson when asked why NOYFSS was selected as the local charity of choice in 2025. "What they do is very important."
Francks visited all three of the North Okanagan McDonald's, and ate at two of them.
"I was impressed by the traffic volume in the restaurants," he said. "We had NOYFSS displays which gave us great reach with the community, and the support was incredible."
