Ticats Take Part in McHappy Day
Vanessa Crapsi
Ticats.ca
If their size didn’t already give it away, their lack of experience did.
They were not McDonald’s employees, they were the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Here to support a great cause, this is what some consider the “fun” part of their job.
Assigned to the front counter of the franchise located on the corner of Rymal Road and Upper James Street, Hamilton Tiger-Cats kicker, Sandro DeAngelis admitted, “I have a newfound respect for the people who work at McDonalds, that’s for sure.”
Cautiously placed throughout each location, each player wore a smile and a jersey, and prepared themselves for the hungry customers before them.
With smiles on their faces, each customer waited patiently for their turn to place an order. Confused by the fact that their daily routine suddenly included camera crews and large men handing them coffee, everyone played along. Here to grab a quick meal, enjoy a coffee and see their hometown football heroes behind the counter, this was also to support a great cause.
On May 11th, 2011, McDonald’s restaurants in Hamilton joined more than 1,400 restaurants across the country to celebrate the 18th McHappy Day in Canada. Raising funds to donate to Hamilton’s own Ronald McDonald House and other local children’s charities, this was an event the Hamilton Tiger-Cats were eager to be a part of.
As highlighted members within the Hamilton community, Tiger-Cat’s Linebacker Agustin Barrenechea explains the players are fortunate to have an influential voice among their fans, “Not everyone has that opportunity, so we don’t turn down chances like this.”
The seats among the dining room filled quickly, and it was clear that it was not just the players who were aware of a much-anticipated McHappy Day. As orders were filled, customers did their part as McDonald’s locations donated $1 from each Big Mac, Happy Meal, and Premium Roast Coffee sold. While most simply on their daily routine, customers took pleasure in knowing that on this particular day, they were part of something much bigger.
Sye, a long time fan of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats sipped his coffee and enjoyed his muffin with a smile, “It’s a lot like Camp Day at Tim Hortons, but kids got to be healthy before they can go to camp,” he said.
With a personal story to go with his appreciation of Hamilton’s Ronald McDonald House, he admits to passing through the McDonald’s drive-through a couple times a day for his favorite cup of joe, always with a handful of change to toss into the donation box. “My neighbor was fortunate enough to have twins, but they were premature and one was blind and had complications. The Ronald McDonald House is where my neighbor stayed while the babies received treatment. They’re healthy now and are even Tiger-Cat fans too.” After all, every fan has to start somewhere.
McHappy Day has raised approximately $32 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Ronald McDonald House program and local children’s charities across Canada since being introduced in 1977. Making a difference within the lives of children as well as in our community, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are pleased to lend a hand to the cause.
“And don’t forget,” Ticat kicker, DeAngelis reminds, “Smiles are always free!”
