Local children's charity to benefit from 30th annual McHappy Day ...

McDonald's patrons have the chance to give back to the community on Wednesday.

It's the 30th annual McHappy Day.

In Sarnia-Lambton, a portion of the proceeds from every item sold will support St. Clair Child and Youth, and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Southwestern Ontario.

The charity assists families of sick children, and allows them to be closer together during their treatment.

St. Clair Child and Youth Interim Executive Director Craig McKenzie said in 2023 they assisted 1,700 kids and families in Sarnia-Lambton.

"One in five kids is affected by mental illness, but we know that the circle around them is impacted by it as well," said McKenzie. "We're not surprised to see the numbers, and we couldn't be more thrilled to be partnering with McDonald's this year to support the unique needs that we're seeing come through the front door."

McKenzie said part of the money raised will be put toward a sensory room.

"With the donation this year, we'll be able to provide a therapeutic sensory room," he said. "It's a really cool room with soothing lighting, and therapeutic tools that are weighted. It's really just to help those youngsters who are struggling with mental health needs, have their needs met in a different way. We'll also be installing a new automatic door. Where my office is, I can see down the hall where we have our conference room which is where we have our postpartum mood disorder program. I see moms come in there throughout the week and it's hard to open that door with a stroller and kids in hand. Having that accessibility door will make their lives that much easier."

Guests can also buy a pair of McHappy Day socks, or round their order up to the nearest dollar to help out.

Those who can't make it to the restaurant can order delivery via Uber Eats, Skip the Dishes, or DoorDash. There will be free delivery on orders of $20 (plus tax) or more.

Demand at the RMHC continues to grow.

They've operated at more than 110 per cent capacity since 2019, and families face lengthy waitlists.

Operational costs have jumped to $500 per day per family, and the average length of stay is around 16 days.

McDonald's spokesperson Darlene Black said the London facility is in need of improvements.

"One in four families in Canada use the house," said Black. "Our London house is having some trouble with space, so four of five families sometimes don't get to utilize that. So, we're hoping to earn some money so that we can build a better house."

Black said they got a good head start at fundraising over the past few weeks.

"Our wonderful team members, our crew, do deductions off their paycheques to help the charity as well," she said. "What's great about this year, is every menu item can be purchased to contribute to our charity."

In 2023, McHappy Day raised a total of $33,424 for Noelle's Gift.

Across the country, over $7.5 million was raised in support of RMHC and children's charities.