Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor-Essex has received a boost from money raised as part of the McDonald's McHappy Day initiaitive.
On Thursday, the McDonald's restaurant on Dougall Ave. donated over $20,000 to the foundation to help support its camp program. The funds come from a portion of McHappy Day proceeds raised by the Dougall franchise.
The camp program is free for children and runs three days a week serving approximately 40 children.
Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor-Essex, Beckey Parent, says the money will go a long way to help the children.
"It feels amazing let me tell you," says Parent. "We really felt so lucky to be chosen this year. They have been very supportive over the years and of course having community partners like McDonalds is something where we can not do the work we do without them."
Franchisee of the McDonald's on Dougall, Jason Trussell, says Big Brothers Big Sisters has had a big impact on his life.
"I became a Big Brother when I turned 18 and I am still matched with my little brother today," says Trussell. "You know it was really nice to get back to someone who really needed a role model in their life and it was very rewarding."
Parent can not say enough about the constant support of the community.
"Our group programs are all about mentoring. So, they will be mentored in a group setting, not one on one but in a group setting with lots of adult volunteers who will be working with them creating opportunities to do various things in the community," says Parent.
The money raised for the camp program will be used to provide children with a healthy snack and lunch, onsite and off site activities as well as transportation to and from camp.