McDonald’s staff do their bit to serve up more than just fast food

FRAESR WILSON

McDonald’s staff in East Kilbride have been doing their bit for charity recently.

That saw them celebrate 30 years of fundraising for Ronald McDonald House by throwing birthday parties at stores in the area.

The Princes Square, Lees Burn Court and Queensway South restaurants hosted fundraising parties with face painting, fancy dress, a customer raffle and collection boxes

And that saw McDonald’s in East Kilbride raise £626.39 for the lifeline charity, which provides home away from home accommodation for families with poorly children in hospital.

Franchisee Kate Walker helped drive the fundraising events at her three stores, which involved familyfriendly activities such as face painting, a customer raffle and collection boxes.

As well as fundraising activities, four new cuddly toys are also currently on sale in all McDonald’s restaurants. The toys can be purchased at £2.99 each or four for £10, and each toy sold will result in a minimum donation of £1 to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK.

Kate said: “I am incredibly proud that for 30 years McDonald’s restaurant teams, office staff and fellow franchisees have worked tirelessly to raise money, awareness and to volunteer their time for this charity.

“My team often take part in organising events including raising £15,000 through a skydive over the Grand Canyon and a Strictly Come Dancing show for the new Edinburgh House which is currently being built.

“I was also involved in organising Scotland’s firstever Ronald McDonald Houses Ball in May, which raised a huge £129,000 for the charities.

“But we couldn’t not do it alone. Our customers and their support are instrumental in enabling us to continue to fundraise for such a worthy cause. I’d like to thank all the people of East Kilbride who got involved and donated to help raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK.”

And the Queensway franchise of the fast food giants were also doing their bit for a mental health charity.

Staff there organised a night in the Village Inn, raising £1000 for SAMH.

There was raffles on the night which the pub kindly donated to and staff paid £5 per ticket.

One of the organisers, assistant manager, Nicolle Kenmure, who worked along side shift manager, Ashleigh Henderson, told the News: “It was a great night and we are delighted we raised £927 for SAMH.

“As a franchise we like to do our bit for good causes over and above the fundraising for the Ronald McDonald Houses.

“There has been a lot more awareness of mental health issues, particularly among young men, so that’s why we picked this charity.”