McHappy Day succesful between Merritt and Kamloops

MERRITT – The annual McHappy Day took place on Wednesday (May 10), and between Merritt and Kamloops nearly $70,000 was raised.

“Today is the happiest day of the year,” said Brandy Gozda-Sekhon, owner of the Merritt and Kamloops McDonald’s. “We have such a great day and our staff absolutely loves the day.”

In total between the two cities, $69,079.75 was raised to go towards the Ronald McDonald House and other local children charities.

Gozda-Sekhon said that help for those families in need is closer than many realize.

“The cool thing is that Kamloops is getting a Ronald McDonald family room. This is not normal for our type of area and is going to benefit all of the families right here in Merritt.”

She broke down even more details and features of the family room.

“If you have to travel to Kamloops to use the NICU or if your child is just in need of any care this family room will be like a warm hug,” added Gozda-Sekhon. “It’s a full living room, a full kitchen with volunteers cooking meals, there is a sleep space, laundry, and it’s going to be something that is so needed in Kamloops to service the rural communities like Merritt.”

The new family room will be set up in the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Patient Care Tower at Royal Inland Hospital.