Big Mac sales to help youth

McDonald's has advanced its commitment to the upliftment of young people with its nationwide Great Day celebration fundraiser which aims to increase awareness and support for the needs of youth.

The company partnered with the Heroes Foundation on this initiative, and the non-profit organisation received 100 per cent of the day’s sales from McDonald’s Big Mac sandwiches as well as $25 presale vouchers.

Great Day is McDonald’s annual global fundraiser and an important way in which the restaurant calls attention to the needs of youth around the world. The campaign focused on the topic of inclusion, youth employment and supporting programmes that develop and enhance their skills as they prepare for entry into the competitive workforce.

This is the second year that McDonald’s has partnered with the Heroes Foundation for this event. The foundation works with young people by providing opportunities for mentorship, as well as programmes that empower them so that they can make a positive difference not only in their own lives, but also within their communities. In 2016, almost $50,000 was donated to foundation by McDonald’s to assist the organisation with its essential programme needs, said a media release.

This year, soca stars Nailah Blackman and Akeem “Preedy” Chance took on the roles of Great Day ambassadors. The entertainers were at the Cipriani Boulevard restaurant to get the celebration going last week Tuesday and show their support.

Philip Julien, chairman of the foundation, noted the importance of driving developmental programmes to foster a culture of achievement. “At the Heroes Foundation we work to inspire the young people we mentor, equipping them with the knowledge and strong moral base to become positive change agents in their communities,” he said. “We appreciate the support of McDonald’s as we continue towards our goal of moulding young people to thrive and create the bright future they deserve.

“Creating a positive environment for young people and all the members of the communities we serve is at the heart of what we do at McDonald’s,” said Kalifa Duncan, operations supervisor for Arcos Dorados TT. “We are very pleased to support the excellent initiatives of the Heroes Foundation. With Great Day and our other activities, McDonald’s looks forward to furthering our social impact and uplifting the lives of our country’s young people.”

This is the seventh year in which McDonald’s will donate funds to a charitable organisation in TT. The initiative was previously called McHappy Day, and the name was changed by regional franchise-holder Arcos Dorados to better reflect the organisation’s expanded social commitment in all Latin America and Caribbean territories. Through combined efforts last year in Latin America and the Caribbean almost US$14 million was raised to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities and other children’s non-profit organisations.