McDonald’s Kirkland Lake celebrated its highest-grossing McHappy Day ever on May 8, 2025, raising an impressive $6,388.96! Of that total, $4,791.72 will directly support pediatric needs at Blanche River Health (BRH) in Kirkland Lake and Englehart, with the remaining proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC).

McHappy Day, McDonald’s single largest annual fundraising event, brings communities together to support families with seriously ill children. This year, volunteers from BRH and the Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF) joined the McDonald’s Kirkland Lake team along with many other community organizations and members to contribute their time and energy. Volunteers worked the drive-thru, front counter, and merchandise table, while also collecting donations throughout the restaurant and drive-thru.

“McHappy Day is an incredible way to unite our community for a common cause,” said Darrell Doucet, owner of McDonald’s Kirkland Lake. “Seeing the support from our customers, staff, and volunteers was truly inspiring. Together, we’ve made a meaningful impact on local pediatric healthcare and RMHC families.”

The funds raised for BRH will support essential pediatric services and equipment upgrades, benefiting families across Kirkland Lake, Englehart, and surrounding communities. RMHC will use its share to provide comfort and care to families with children receiving medical treatment away from home.

“We are so grateful to Darrell Doucet, McDonald’s staff, and the entire Kirkland Lake community for their generosity,” said Mary Ann Mavrinac, Director at BRHF, who volunteered at the front counter, serving up delish treats. “This record-breaking McHappy Day helps ensure we can continue to enhance care for our youngest patients so they have the best possible start in life.”

Chester Jobson, BRH Board Chair, who was also on hand supporting sales of McDonald’s merchandise, added: “The dedication shown by the restaurant and its customers is remarkable. These funds will make a tangible difference in pediatric care across our hospitals.”

About McDonald’s Locations Owned by Darrell Doucet

Darrell Doucet, a dedicated community supporter, owns and operates four McDonald’s locations in Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Timmins, and the Timmins Walmart.

Proudly Canadian-owned, these restaurants are committed to giving back to their communities through initiatives like McHappy Day, McWednesdays (which dedicates 10% of all sales on the last Wednesday of each month to the BRHF), and other local partnerships.

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: 

Some of the many volunteers supporting McHappy Day in Kirkland Lake on May 8^th pose with Grimace, who brought lots of smiles to the fundraising day.

Left to right: Mary Ann Mavrinac (BRHF Director), Leo Urda (McDonald’s Restaurant Manager), Chester Jobson (BRH Hospital Board Chair), Grimace (Lillian Dinel), Jorge VanSlyke (BRH CEO and President), Susie D, volunteer, and Fatima (McDonald’s Team Members). 

Front: Shannon Q (McDonald’s), Cassandra James (BRHF Executive Director) and Ankush (McDonald’s).