I’m Lovin’ It - McHappy Day to Support Pediatrics TLC Fund for Cape Breton Regional Hospital

CAPE BRETON, N.S – McDonald’s restaurants in Cape Breton have raised a staggering $142,000 for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation through McHappy Day to date and this year is expected to be the biggest year yet.

Funds raised this year will be in support of the Pediatrics TLC Fund, a fund that supports children and families who are facing financial strain due to their illness. "Children and their families should be able to focus on getting better, not their expenses," says Gail Kennerknecht, co-owner of the seven McDonalds restaurants on Cape Breton Island. The fundraiser has been supporting the Cape Breton Regional Hospital since 2008, aiming to keep it local. "We have chosen the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation because it’s directly impacting children in our community," says Kennerknecht.

Last year alone, the day of fun, fundraising and delicious treats raised more than $43,000 for newborns and their families through the Mom and Baby TLC Fund. "We’re always amazed with the generosity of the local McDonald’s customers and Cape Breton overall," says Brad Jacobs, CEO of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. "McDonalds has demonstrated a commitment to strengthening healthcare at home, and for that we’re incredibly grateful."

The pediatrics TLC Fund, which helps on average 12 families each month, provides financial support to parents and their children, to ensure that families can focus on healthcare, not their financial struggles. Each year, more than 1,800 children are treated at the Regional Hospital’s Pediatrics Unit. Children up to 18 years old are treated for everything from broken bones to serious illnesses, like cancer. Just yesterday, this fund completely funded an end of chemotherapy treatment party for a twelve year old cancer survivor. This fund is 100 per cent donor founded and would not exist without the generosity of Cape Bretoners.

With the purchase of any Big Mac, McCafé Hot beverage of Happy Meal, one dollar will go towards families in Cape Breton who need financial support during their time of injury or illness. From hearing aids to formula, from music therapy to end of chemotherapy care, every dollar raised by McHappy Day in Cape Breton will strengthen healthcare in Cape Breton for our youngest, most vulnerable patients.

Cape Breton McDonald’s owner, Gail Kennerknecht, is proud of what her team accomplishes every year, but even more proud of the result, "It’s all about creating better healthcare for the children of Cape Breton, that’s why we do this."