OAK BROOK, Ill--19 Nov--PRNewswire- AsiaNet/InfoQuest
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, visit http://www.mcdepk.com/wcd2008.
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 http://www.mcdonalds.com to learn more about the company.
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 the world. For more information, visit http://www.rmhc.org.
(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 [email protected]
Lisa McComb, McDonald's Media Relations
+1 630 623-3707 or [email protected]
Molly A. Lynch, GolinHarris
+1 312 729-4227 or [email protected]
SOURCE: McDonald's
NOTE TO EDITORS: Electronic Press Kit: http://www.mcdepk.com/wcd2008
CONTACT: Soraya Garcia, McDonald's Global Communications,
+1-630-623-2163,
[email protected], or
Lisa McComb, McDonald's Media Relations,
+1-630-623-3707
[email protected]; or
Molly A. Lynch of GolinHarris,
+1-312-729-4227,
[email protected],
for Ronald McDonald House Charities
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990916/MCDLOGO
--Distributed by AsiaNet ( www.asianetnews.net )--