McDonald's Claims World's Biggest Fundraiser
2 December 2002 at 12:12 pm
With a headline that says ” McDonald’s to Host Global Fundraiser – More Than 100 Countries to Participate in Unprecedented World Children’s Day Event” – other fundraisers are sure to take an interest!
Taking a look at the statistics from last month’s event, the power of the giant food retailer to attract Olympians and celebrities from all walks of life across the globe to take part is a little enviable to say the least!
McDonald’s says World Children’s Day is its first-ever simultaneous global fundraiser in more than 100 countries benefiting children around the world.
Take a look at this for corporate muscle:
McDonald’s has more than 30,000 restaurants serving over 46 million people each day in 121 countries.
Approximately 80 percent of McDonald’s restaurants are owned and operated by independent local business people.
Ronald McDonald House Charities creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children in 44 countries.
Named one of America’s Top 100 Charities by Worth magazine in 2001 and 2002, the Charity makes grants to NFP organisations and provides support to Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles worldwide.
To date, Ronald McDonald House Charities’ national body and global network have awarded more than $340 million in grants to children’s programs.
In the US alone some 200 Olympians were part of the McDonald’s World Children’s Day event!
Other high profile celebrities keen to be involved encouraged by Celine Dion and a raft of famous entertainers.
McDonald’s says uniting its restaurants in more than 100 countries was a history-making fundraising initiative benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities and important local children’s causes.
Organisers say that while specific fundraising programs vary country by country, McDonald’s restaurants share a single goal: to join with customers in a global effort that will make a difference for children in their communities and around the world.
McDonald’s Chairman and CEO Jack Greenberg says the value of World Children’s Day goes far beyond the millions of dollars that will be raised to help children. It brings the world’s attention to the ever increasing needs of children, and the role we must all play in affecting positive change.
He says McDonald’s has a rich heritage and tradition of being a good community partner and neighbour, and World Children’s Day exemplifies the philanthropic spirit of McDonald’s founder, Ray Kroc, who believed in giving back to the communities McDonald’s serves. This year would be Ray Kroc’s 100th birthday!