McHappy Day is set to take place on Saturday, November 19, with this year’s ambassador being none other than Eva Mendes.
The Hitch star is the latest in a long line of altruistic celebrities who have joined the worthy cause, which sees McDonald’s raise much-needed funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia.
All funds raised on McHappy Day go to RMHC, who help seriously ill children and their families stay together and close to the care they need.
Last year, McHappy Day raised a whopping $5.2 million in donations. Check out what Eva and previous ambassadors have had to say about giving back to those who need it most on McHappy Day.
Eva Mendes – 2022 and 2020 Ambassador
Eva Mendes, 48, is the 2022 McHappy Day ambassador.
Eva, who was also the virtual McHappy Day Ambassador in 2020, revealed she was “honoured” to participate in the charitable event again.
“I am incredibly honoured to once again partner with McDonald’s to raise awareness of McHappy Day and support the truly invaluable work of Ronald McDonald House Charities,” Mendes said in a statement.
Since her first partnership with McHappy Day, Eva has continued her support over the years by chatting with Ronald McDonald House families via Zoom, but will this year be excited to visit families in person.
“I’m looking forward to meeting with some of the incredible families staying at a Ronald McDonald House, listening to their inspirational stories and witnessing first-hand the life-changing support services provided by RMHC,” she added.
Eva Longoria – 2021 Ambassador
Eva Longoria, 2021 Ambassador.
Despite not being able to head Down Under for Mchappy Day in 2021 due to the pandemic, Eva Longoria made sure to do her part by chatting to families via Zoom.
“It was so hard to not be in Australia in person to be with these families, but to speak to them even via Zoom was so inspirational,” she said at the time.
“Their bravery and their strength at a time where I think I would collapse under the anxiety and stress and pressure of having a child with a serious illness.
“They were really amazing mums out there who are super-women. Taking their children in and out of treatment, moving their whole family closer to the hospital, everything they’re doing to keep their child not only healthy but happy… I was really, really inspired and awed by them.
“It was so hard because you can’t help but think what if that was me? And I think we have to do that more often is put ourselves in other people’s shoes to have empathy and compassion for what they’re going through.”
Katie Holmes – 2019 Ambassador
Katie Holmes – 2019 Ambassador.
Dawson’s Creek icon Katie Holmes was also part of the annual charity event, during which she met with several families of seriously ill children.
“I’m so happy to be the ambassador for McHappy Day,” she told 9Honey as she kicked off festivities on McHappy Day at the McDonald’s restaurant in Haberfield.
“I know how much Ronald McDonald House Charities mean for so many people who are going through such unimaginable circumstances.
“It’s inspiring to me that Ronald McDonald House Charities exists, and I think it’s an example of what we can all do to think about what other people are going through,” she says of the non-profit organisation that helps support and house families as they care for their ill children.
She added, “It’s inspiring for me to be a part of that, and to keep in mind in my daily life to always think of the needs of others and put that first.”
Naomi Watts – 2018 Ambassador
Naomi Watts – 2018 Ambassador.
In 2018, King Kong star Naomi Watts said of partnering up with McDonald’s for McHappy Day, “As a mum, I couldn’t imagine being apart from my kids if they were sick or injured.
“Ronald McDonald House Charities keeps these families together when they need it most and I’m honoured to be this year’s Ambassador.
“I can’t wait to head to Australia and help McHappy Day raise as much as possible for RMHC,” she added at the time.
At the event, the mum-of-two expressed just how much the charity meant to her.
“It’s been great being here. It’s a charity that’s been close to my heart, for obvious reasons, having grown up in Australia,”‘ she said.
Ada Nicodemou – 2017 Ambassador
Ada Nicodemou – 2017 Ambassador.
The Home and Away star was more than happy to get involved in helping to raise much-needed funds on McHappy Day in 2017.
“I’m a mum, I’m a parent too so I can relate a little bit to what these parents are going through in the fact that it must be hard to feel like you’re not with your child when your child is sick,” she told Be at the time.
“So for me being part of a campaign that is helping families stay together, I can relate to that because while your child is unwell, having to worry about transporting yourself every day or hotel room, you don’t need those expenses at all.
The soap star also spent at the Ronald McDonald House in Westmead where she, too, met with families.
“I chatted to a lot of the families actually and they were just lovely people,” she added.
Brought to you by McDonald’s McHappy Day
You can help support seriously ill children and their families at RMHC during this year’s McHappy Day fundraiser by:
From October 26 – November 19:
○ purchasing a pair of $5 Silly Socks, or Helping Hands for $2, $10 or $50 from your local Macca’s or via McDelivery
○ Make a donation online.
On McHappy Day (Saturday, November 19):
○ Buy a Big Mac from your local Macca’s or via McDelivery, with $2 from every Big Mac sold going directly to RMHC.
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