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Raiders mascot, PIMS, works the drive-thru during McHappy Day. (Prince Albert Raiders/Facebook)
McHappy Day

Excitement builds for new P.A. Ronald McDonald House on McHappy Day

May 8, 2024 | 12:52 PM

Not only is McHappy Day turning 30 this year, it’s also paving the way for a new chapter in Prince Albert.

The annual fundraiser is back for another year to raise money and support for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

The RMHC of Saskatchewan has supported more than 27,000 families from 211 communities across the province.

Currently, the only Ronald McDonald House in the province is based in Saskatoon, but as Nadia Balytska with RMHC Saskatchewan told Power99, that will soon change.

“RMHC of Saskatchewan is embarking on the capital campaign to raise $22 million to support the construction of Ronald McDonald Houses in Regina and Prince Albert,” she said. “So, we are hoping to build a 12-bedroom house in Prince Albert to support our families in the north and a 20-bedroom house in Regina.”

Last August, Lake Country Co-op announced it was donating land next to the Victoria Hospital where the future Ronald McDonald House will be built.

READ MORE: P.A. Timberjaks donate $2.5K to local Ronald McDonald House project

On April 30, McDonald’s of Prince Albert took part in a land blessing ceremony for the new site, which is expected to take about 20 months to build once construction begins.

Prince Albert has a Ronald McDonald Family Room inside the pediatric unit at Victoria Hospital and has been there since 2016.

Balytska said she is super excited for the future house to be built and added it wouldn’t be possible without the support of McDonald’s Canada.

“McHappy Day is one of the biggest fundraisers for Ronald McDonald House Charity Saskatchewan and we are so incredibly grateful for all the support that we receive from our forever and founding partner McDonald’s.”

A portion of proceeds from all menu items will be donated to RMHC Saskatchewan to ensure more families cans can receive the support they need.

Last year, more than $7.5 million was raised across the country during McHappy Day.

panews@pattisonmedia.com

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