McDonald’s in Parry Sound is once again giving back to the community through the annual McHappy Day fundraiser.
McHappy Day is a nationwide initiative where a portion of all McDonald’s proceeds are split evenly between Ronald McDonald House Charities and a local charity. Proceeds from the Parry Sound location will support the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation, helping fund essential hospital equipment and services.
“The hospitals and staff do so much for us, so helping to make sure they have the right equipment, that is priceless,” said Beel Yaqub, owner of McDonald’s locations in Parry Sound and Huntsville. “It’s something in the long term that makes us much stronger as a community.”
Yaqub also emphasized the importance of supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities, noting that many local families rely on their services when travelling for medical treatment, often to places like Toronto.
“Being able to donate to Ronald McDonald House with this longstanding tradition that they’ve had has been incredible,” he said. “You hear these stories and even though we’re hours away from Toronto, it impacts us here locally with families that have to go and get treatment.”
Yaqub said McHappy Day is one of the busiest days of the year for the Parry Sound restaurant, drawing strong support and many volunteers from across the community. Volunteers include local residents, foundation staff, local business representatives, and members of the OPP, fire departments, and town council. Yacub added their roles include everything from serving coffee to working the drive-thru.
“It’s such a treat because when our guests come through the drive-thru, they’re not expecting the mayor to be at the window, or the chief of police, so it’s a nice surprise,” he said. “The volunteers have a lot of fun doing it and my staff absolutely love it.”
According to Yaqub, more than $17,000 was raised between the Parry Sound and Huntsville locations in 2025, which was a 10 per cent increase from the year before. He says this year’s fundraising goal is $20,000.
“It’s amazing how in one day we can raise so much money… and how many people in the community come out to support us just by buying a meal,” he said. “The impact you see that this effort has had on people’s lives is incredible.”
Other ways to support the cause include purchasing McHappy Day socks or a paper heart or donating on the McDonald’s website.
