Port Macquarie’s two McDonald’s stores contributed over $7000 toward the national goal of $3.8 million. All monies raised helped Ronald McDonald House Charities to continue their work.

Franchise owner Jacqui Jones said the funds were raised through local initiatives.

“In Port Macquarie we had in-store competitions, donation buckets, gold coin donation for dressing up theme for employees, and in-store entertainment,” Mrs Jones said.

“Nationally, some of these initiatives include selling of Helping Hands including corporate level, Ronald socks and contributing $2 from every Big Mac sold.

“McDonald’s Australia covers all of our administration costs and is a generous donor to the charity.”

Mrs Jones said every cent raised goes straight to helping the seriously ill children and their families.

Ronald McDonald House provides families of seriously ill children somewhere to stay close to the hospital where they are receiving treatment.

The charity also includes family rooms for families visiting a sick child have a comfortable place to relax and refresh during their visit.

“From a small coin dropped into one of our donation boxes on the McDonald’s counters, to volunteering at one of our houses, we can use all the help we can give,” Mrs Jones said.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities has been providing support for families and their seriously ill children in Australia since 1981.