For the second consecutive year, McDonald’s Kirkland Lake, has made a significant contribution to the Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF). Through the innovative McWednesday program, which dedicates 10% of all sales on the last Wednesday of each month to the Foundation, $13,315 was raised in 2024, an increase of 22% over funds raised in 2023.

As a proudly Canadian-owned establishment, McDonald’s Kirkland Lake continues to prioritize community support through this ongoing partnership. This partnership continues in 2025, further strengthening support for hospitals in Englehart, Kirkland Lake, and surrounding communities.

“Healthcare is at the heart of every thriving community, and McWednesdays has become a powerful way to give back,” said Darrell Doucet, owner of McDonald’s Kirkland Lake. “We’re thrilled to see how our customers’ patronage translates into better healthcare resources for their families, friends, and neighbours.”

The funds raised are directly reinvested into essential equipment and upgrades for the BRH hospitals. These improvements benefit the local community by enhancing the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.

“This incredible initiative led by Darrell Doucet is a shining example of community spirit and corporate responsibility,” said Barbara Effenberger, Vice President, Corporate Services, and CFO at Blanche River Health. “The impact of these contributions is deeply felt across our healthcare facilities and the lives of those we serve.”

Nancy Prince, a Director at BRHF, expressed her gratitude: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Darrell, his team, and the Kirkland Lake community. It’s partnerships like this that enable us to bridge gaps and meet critical healthcare needs.”

The McWednesday program, launched in 2023, continues to resonate with the Kirkland Lake community, offering residents a simple yet impactful way to support local healthcare and local business while enjoying their favourite meals.

Your Turn

Each Wednesday, share your #McWednesday pictures and tag the Blanche River Health Foundation on social media to be featured as a supporter and to help spread the word and raise funds.

About McDonald’s Locations Owned by Darrell Doucet:

Darrell Doucet owns and operates four McDonald’s locations in Northern Ontario: Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Timmins, and the Timmins Walmart. Proudly Canadian-owned, these restaurants are dedicated to giving back to their communities through initiatives like McWednesdays and other local partnerships. Darrell and his team are committed to making a positive impact where they live and work.

The Kirkland Lake location is open 24 hours and located at 155 Government Rd. West, offering Eat-In, Drive-Thru, Curbside, and McDelivery services. And you can always use the McDonald’s app for contactless ordering and payment.

To learn more, visit mcdonalds.com.

About Blanche River Health Foundation

The Blanche River Health Foundation raises funds for equipment and capital projects at the Englehart and Kirkland Lake sites. With limited government funding for these needs, the hospital relies on community donations to modernize facilities and equipment. As a registered charity governed by a volunteer board of directors, the Foundation depends on people’s generosity to support essential improvements, enhance patient care and support the hospital’s mission to make healthcare work for you.

To continue supporting BRH, please consider donating to the BRH Foundation via:

·        Cheque to Blanche River Health Foundation
145 Government Road East, Kirkland Lake, Ontario P2N 3P4

·        Your estate planner through planned giving in your will

·        Buying lottery tickets at splitthepot.ca

·        Or online at brhfoundation.ca

Visit brhfoundation.ca to learn more or to donate.

Pictured:

BRHF and BRH representatives accept a donation of $13,315 from McDonald’s Kirkland Lake.

Left to right: Cassandra James (BRHF Executive Director), Sandy Austin (BRHF Board Director), Shannon Boyd (McDonald’s Operation Supervisor), Leo Urda (McDonald’s Kirkland Lake Restaurant Manager), Darrel Doucet (McDonald’s Owner), Rene Boudreault (BRHF Board Vice Chair), Nancy Prince (BRHF Board Director), Mike Marinigh (BRHF Board Treasurer), Barbara Effenberger (BRH Vice President, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer), and John Sullivan (BRHF Board Chair).