McDonald’s UK and businesses across its supply chain are aiming to raise £1.5 million for Ronald McDonald House UK through the first UK McHappy Day on Saturday 26 September.
The fundraising campaign will bring together customers, franchisees and suppliers to support the charity, which provides accommodation for families whose children are receiving hospital treatment.
Businesses supporting the initiative across McDonald’s food and drink supply chain include Arla Foods, Tropicana, McCain Foods, Coca-Cola, Cargill, Schreiber Foods, Cranswick and Lamb Weston.
Suppliers have pledged donations linked to product sales alongside corporate contributions towards the £1.5 million target.
Ronald McDonald House UK operates 14 Houses across the country, providing free accommodation close to hospitals so families can remain near children receiving treatment.
During 2025, the charity accommodated 8,488 families, who stayed for an average of 16 nights.
Among those supported was the Jerman family from Shropshire.
Their daughter Hannah, who lives with the neurological condition Lissencephaly and drug-resistant epilepsy, underwent major spinal surgery at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital last year.
Her parents stayed at Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey for two weeks during her treatment, including a period when Hannah’s condition deteriorated and she was transferred to intensive care.
Hannah’s father, Chris Jerman, runs a 300-acre organic dairy farm in Shropshire with his wife Caroline and sons Thomas and James.
The farm’s approximately 100 organic dairy cows supply milk to McDonald’s through farmer-owned dairy co-operative Arla Foods. Jerman also serves as an elected farmer representative on Arla’s Board of Representatives.
He said: “Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey gave us somewhere calm to return to, somewhere we could get some sleep, prepare a meal and gather our thoughts before heading straight back to Hannah’s bedside. Those simple things become incredibly important when you’re living through such a worrying time.
“As a farmer who supplies milk to McDonald’s through Arla, it makes me incredibly proud to see so many businesses across the McDonald’s supply chain supporting McHappy Day. When suppliers contribute, they’re helping families like ours focus on what really matters, being together when a child needs them most.”
Ella Joseph, CEO of Ronald McDonald House UK, said: “McHappy Day demonstrates what can be achieved when an entire industry comes together behind a shared purpose. While customers will see the fundraising taking place in restaurants, what many won’t realise is the incredible support happening behind the scenes from farmers, manufacturers, distributors and suppliers throughout the McDonald’s supply chain.
“We’re enormously grateful for these partnerships. Every contribution, no matter how large or small, helps us provide free accommodation, practical support and a community for families at one of the most difficult times in their lives.”
McDonald’s will donate £1 from every qualifying main meal sold at participating restaurants on 26 September, including eligible orders placed through the McDonald’s App, Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat.
Customers will also be able to purchase a limited-edition reversible Grimace McHappy Day beanie for £5, with all proceeds donated to Ronald McDonald House UK.
Funds raised through customer activity, supplier contributions and wider partnerships will support the charity’s work providing accommodation and practical support to families with children undergoing hospital treatment.