The smell of fresh coffee and breakfast sandwiches filled the air early on the morning of Wednesday, 7 May 2025 as CFB Borden and Angus residents pulled into the McDonald’s drive-thru—not just for their morning fix, but for a cause that hits close to home.
This year’s McHappy Day fundraiser brought together military leadership, volunteers, and community members in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Matthews House Hospice, and the Borden Military Family Resource Centre (BFRC).
Among the first smiling faces customers saw at the drive-thru window were CFB Borden Base Commander Colonel Ramessar, Formation CWO Jeremy Peters and various CAF members lending their hands to help kick off the day of giving.
For Lizzy Wright, Crew Engagement Manager and local McDonald’s veteran of nearly a decade, McHappy Day isn’t just the biggest event of the year—it’s a chance to channel heartfelt energy into tangible impact.
“We’re already at $11,000 and it’s not even noon,” Wright said. “Every year we try to outdo the last and the community always shows up. Between the silent auctions, the outdoor festivities, and just the atmosphere, you can feel the love.”
That love was matched by Lizzy’s mother, Connie Wright, a longtime volunteer whose retirement has led into local advocacy.
“My daughter’s passion is contagious,” she said, smiling. “McHappy Day helps keep families together when they’re going through the unimaginable. It eases that financial burden. It’s the least we can do.”
The connection to RMHC is especially personal for 16 Wing Honorary Colonel Rory MacKinnon and his son Thomas, the local McDonald’s franchisees and the driving force behind Angus and Alliston’s record-setting McHappy Day campaigns. One room in the Toronto Ronald McDonald House is dedicated to Thomas’s sister, who passed away as a child—a legacy that fuels the family’s commitment to the cause.
“Last year we raised over $32,000,” Thomas said. “This year we’re on track to beat $35,000. Our staff, our guests—they all rally behind the message. It’s about helping families stay together and showing them they’re not alone.”
That message resonates especially strongly with CFB Borden. With many service members trained at Stevenson Memorial Hospital and their families supported year-round by the Borden MFRC, local McDonald’s locations have made a point to direct funds where they matter most.
“Our purpose is to serve, feed, and foster our local community. That’s not just a value—it’s how we live,” HCol MacKinnon explained.
The synergy between McDonald’s, military leaders, and civilians was evident all day long. Children played outside, while volunteers sold McDonald’s merch, auctioned off custom chairs, and shared stories of how RMHC had touched their lives. The thread connecting everyone was clear: community first.
As the breakfast rush rolled in, those passing through the Angus McDonald’s weren’t just buying breakfast. They were buying time, comfort, and hope for families facing their hardest moments.
“McHappy Day isn’t just about what happens on this one day,” said HCol MacKinnon, “It’s about showing up for one another all year round.”
Where do proceeds go?
Proceeds from McHappy Day 2025 in Angus and Alliston support:
- Ronald McDonald House Toronto: Providing accommodation steps from SickKids for families of critically ill children.
- Stevenson Memorial Hospital: Supporting redevelopment of this key regional healthcare facility.
- Matthews House Hospice: Offering compassionate end-of-life care for South Simcoe residents.
- Borden Military Family Resource Centre (BFRC): Supporting CAF families with programs, emergency assistance, and mental health resources.
