The Borden Family Resource Centre (BFRC) received a generous show of community support on 26 May, as Mr. Rory MacKinnon, Honorary Colonel of 16 Wing, presented a donation of $2500.00 raised through this year’s McHappy Day campaign.
Held at the BFRC, the presentation highlighted the longstanding relationship between MacKinnon’s McDonald’s restaurants and the Centre. Over the years, McHappy Day has become a vital source of funding, helping the BFRC continue to offer programs and services that assist CAF members and their families.
McHappy Day is a nationwide McDonald’s Canada initiative that raises funds for Ronald McDonald House programs and children’s charities across Canada. In Borden, funds raised go directly to the BFRC, helping support military-connected families as they navigate the realities of military life, like moving, deployments, and time apart. These funds help the BFRC support well-being and help ensure families feel supported every step of the way.
For BFRC Executive Director Line Sorel, partnerships like this are essential to sustaining and expanding services. “It helps us to expand upon the services that we offer that are funded, things we perhaps wouldn’t be able to provide without that support,” she said. “It is very meaningful to us, especially in years of constraint. These donations have helped with initiatives like the launch of the playground and the Dolly Parton libraries, which provides free books for children under the age of six.”
Mr. MacKinnon’s continued support, along with the dedication of his restaurant teams and customers, has made a significant impact over the years.
“Since I’ve been an Honorary Colonel, I’ve really come to understand the impact Military Family Resource Centres have and how much families rely on the resources they provide,” said MacKinnon. “We consider military families to be a vulnerable sector, and I’ve seen firsthand the role the BFRC plays in providing that essential support network, from childcare to social connections.”
He also emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of purpose within his own organization. “It’s important for our team to know that what they do goes beyond serving food,” he explained. “Every time they ask someone to round up or contribute, they’re supporting something meaningful in the community. That sense of purpose matters.”
For many in Borden, the BFRC is more than just a service provider, it’s a cornerstone of support. Contributions like those raised through McHappy Day help ensure programs remain accessible and relevant to the evolving needs of military-connected families.
Moments like this serve as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when the community comes together. Through initiatives like McHappy Day, that collective effort continues to make a meaningful difference for families across CFB Borden.
