Fort Erie McDonald’s to hold charity sale before May 6 McHappy Day

McDonald’s on Garrison Road expects a crowd on May 6 for McHappy Day, its fundraiser for hospital rooms as demand rises among Niagara families with sick children.

A McDonald’s sponsored charity sale will proceed this year’s McHappy Day, selling socks and hearts at the Fort Erie McDonald’s set for April 18 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All funds raised will go to the Ronald McDonald Family Room at the Marotta Family Hospital in St. Catharines and the Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton, where about 40 per cent of families come from Niagara.

A portion of food and beverage sales goes to programs that give families a place to stay near a child in care, along with meals, low-cost lodging and space to rest inside the hospital.

Local restaurants tied to Niagara franchise owner Matthew Katz are preparing for heavy turnout across Fort Erie, Ridgeway, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fonthill.

Anne Molnar, a community relations representative working with Katz’s Niagara restaurants, told Fort Erie Radio that money raised in Niagara goes first to the Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton, which then directs funds where they are needed, including the St. Catharines room.

“It’s just giving them that extra relief where possible,” said Molnar.

The hospital space gives families a break from the strain of long hospital stays, including time in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Ronald McDonald House South Central Ontario has supported families from more than 130 communities in 2025, according to material provided to Fort Erie Radio.

Across Canada, the Ronald McDonald House network supported 32,253 families in 2025, but the organization says demand still exceeds available space.

“It’s one of those places that you don’t really know the full extent of how wonderful it is until you know someone or had to use this charity yourself.” said Molnar.

Families have access to prepared meals, a kitchen and space for specialized medical equipment.

Molnar expects McHappy Day to be the busiest day of the year at the Fort Erie and Ridgeway locations, along with the other Niagara stores in Katz’s group.

“It’s going to be crazy from like 11 a.m. and non-stop until 8 p.m.,” said Molnar.

Other fundraising tied to the campaign is already on the calendar. A trivia night has already taken place, and a golf tournament is scheduled for August 20.

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