McHappy Day draws strong support across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent

CTV Windsor staff volunteer for the fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House.

Communities across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent came together Wednesday in support of McHappy Day, with busy drive-thrus and packed restaurants at McDonald’s locations throughout the region.

Staff and volunteers went all out to mark the annual fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities, decorating stores and encouraging donations.

“We were here from 7 [a.m.] to midnight. We take this very seriously—it’s a competition between the stores,” said swing manager Nina Riccardo. “Our volunteers did a great job and we’re really thankful for them.”

Customers may have spotted familiar faces behind the counter, including local politicians and media personalities from CTV News and AM800, all lending their time to support the cause.

A portion of all food, beverage, and merchandise sales from the day will go toward helping families through Ronald McDonald House programs.

In Windsor, the house located inside Windsor Regional Hospital Metropolitan Campus provides a home-away-from-home for families with seriously ill or injured children.

The facility features five private rooms and a short-term stay space, along with meals and support services aimed at easing the emotional and financial strain during treatment.

This year’s regional ambassadors, Amanda and Matt McGowan of Belle River and their son Dryden, have been helping raise awareness for the cause, sharing their family’s story and encouraging others to give back.