McDonald’s charity event draws overwhelming support from rival Burger King

One would be hard-pressed to not find people familiar with McDonald’s. The golden arches have come to epitomize the fast-food industry; the ultimate answer to the hunger pangs that plague our daily lives. One might even attribute the culture of grabbing a quick bite on the go to this famous fast-food giant. However, there are certain sections of our global community that are familiar with McDonald’s, albeit for different reasons altogether. McDonald’s charity event draws overwhelming support from rival Burger King.

Ronald McDonald House Charities

McDonald’s has always been big on giving back to the community and has never shied away from this fact. The company has many charities and initiatives and even encourages its customers to contribute towards the welfare of the poor and the destitute. One of its best programs is the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

Named for a clown that came to represent the McDonald’s fast-food chains, the Ronald McDonald House Charities is a non-profit that creates, identifies, and supports other programs and projects that help families and children. These programs focus on sick or injured children and ensure that they and their families have access to quality medical care along with suitable accommodations.

RMHC has a presence in 62 countries, with more than 260 chapters working ceaselessly to better the conditions of sick children around the world. It does this through three core programs: the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, the Ronald McDonald House, and the Ronald McDonald Family Room. These programs benefited millions in 2020 alone – 1.4 million overnight stays provided in Ronald McDonald House and Family Room programs. This translates to over $443 million saved that would have otherwise gone towards meals and lodging.

Helping others help others

McDonald’s efforts at drawing attention to the plight of many families and children who need hospitalization has borne fruits. By encouraging to customers help make a difference, the total donations from franchisees and customers totaled well over $145 million in 2020, which incidentally paid for the aforementioned 1.4 million overnight stays.

Another surprise was in the making too. Burger King, McDonald’s fiercest rival, came out in support of the RMHC program in Poland. McDonald’s has plans to host a McHappy Day charity event on December 11 and 12, with one Polish Zloty from ever order being donated. Burger King was quick to show its support, announcing that it would offer a free burger to any customer who presented a McDonald’s receipt at any of its restaurants in the country.

It is the littlest of things that often add up and go on to become bigger things. Things that most of the global population consider ‘little’, might have a huge impact on the lives of a million others. We keep what we have by giving to others. As the season of giving is upon us, let us resolve to make a difference in the lives of everyone around us.

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