Residents of the southwest had their chance to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan yesterday.

Proceeds from all purchases during McHappy Day at the Swift Current McDonald's are going to aid the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon or the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Prince Albert.

Two facilities hundreds of kilometres away are used by southwest residents more than locals according to Kim Gilbert director of human resources with Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan.

"It's for those families that are outside of those centres," she explained. 

The day was created back in 1977 and has raised over $66 million since its launch. But the special day is not only about fundraising.

"Over 200 communities throughout the entire province of Saskatchewan are served through our work, so we're really grateful to get out and about on McHappy Day to say 'thank you' to folks," Gilbert said.

Gilbert has been with Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan for a decade and has spent several McHappy Days in Swift Current.

"Swift Current has some serious spirit around McHappy Day," she said. "We're always so thrilled to get assigned to this location. The management and staff go above and beyond every time I've been here to make a difference for Saskatchewan families."

If you missed out on the chance to make a McDonald's purchase yesterday to help the charity, there are other avenues including visiting their site to donate or sign up to volunteer.

"Many people from the southwest hold fundraisers on behalf of us which is great because we know community spirit is unstoppable," she said.   

McHappy Day 2