(STAFF) — Christine Neumeyer was in a very ‘McHappy’ mood while taking in the crowds at the McDonald’s on Bayfield Street yesterday.
The Barrie mom was on hand at the restaurant chain’s annual event to show her support for Ronald McDonald House, which provided her with much-needed shelter and support when her young son, Colin, was undergoing treatment for his second bout of leukemia at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. A bone marrow transplant from her has since given the youngster a new lease on life. “A lot of people just look at Ronald McDonald House a place to sleep and eat, but that pales in comparison to what it really does,” she said, referring to the emotional support provided to her family by staff and volunteers at the facility. The shelter and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District were the key charities that benefited from yesterday’s McHappy Day. The annual event, which had local firefighters, police officers and media representatives (includingThe Barrie Examiner staff ) helping out behind the counter, saw a loonie from the sale of every Big Mac, McMuffin and Happy Meal go towards both charities. “We’re really thrilled to be the charity of choice for a second time,” she said. “We are a charity that relies solely on community support.” The last time Big Brothers took part was in 2007, and McHappy Day earned and donated $40,000 to the organization. This year, all of the proceeds raised for Big Brothers will be contributed to the local Go Girls/Guys mentoring program for teens, 12 to 14-years-old.
The program encourages active living, balanced eating and feeling good.