Our Relationship with McDonalds

The partnership between McDonald’s Corporation and Ronald McDonald House Charities and its programs dates back to the inception of the charitable organization. When an unlikely partnership was formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1974 between an NFL team, a children’s hospital and McDonald’s, none of its members could have imagined that their dream of a “home-away-from-home” for families of seriously ill children would grow to become an international phenomenon. They simply wanted to create a place where parents of sick children could be with others who could provide emotional support.

Today, one can find support and participation from McDonald’s Corporation, its franchisees, crew members, suppliers and business partners at every level of the Charity’s activity – U.S., International, corporate, regional and local. Members of the McDonald’s Family serve as volunteers on the Boards and committees of the local Chapters, working along side other members of their community. Together they tackle the challenges of operating a public charity – raising necessary funds and awareness and delivering program services to children and their families.

To generate funds for the local chapters and their programs, franchisees and the Corporation leverage their considerable resources to implement worldwide, national and local promotions. Collectively, they utilize their restaurants, advertising dollars, packaging, and crew to create customer awareness and support. In-store events involving food promotions result in a direct financial contribution from the Corporation, its franchisees and the general public. These promotions have raised literally millions and millions of dollars to help the Charity fulfill its mission.

In addition to in-store fundraising efforts, McDonald’s franchisees sponsor many of the local events, such as golf tournaments and galas held within the community. These events provide critical support, as each local Chapter relies on volunteers and donors for much of the funds and staffing necessary for operations. Local Co-Ops, the body of local McDonald’s franchisees, use their stores and media partnerships to create greater awareness of the needs of children in their community, and address these needs through their support of Ronald McDonald House Charities and its programs.