RICHARD Harris knows Wimmera residents will find it harder this year to donate money, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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But he's asking them to all the same because has faith they will still open their hearts.
The McDonalds Horsham owner is preparing for his franchise's largest annual fundraiser, McHappy Day on Saturday November 14.
"Generally speaking, every year we always seem to exceed our targets or break a record," he said.
In addition to funds generated from the sale of Silly Socks and Helping Hands during October and November, $2 from every Big Mac sold on November 14 will also go to the charity.
Al the money raised from McHappy day will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities, which helps seriously ill children and their families.
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The cornerstone program, the Ronald McDonald House, provides accommodation for families of seriously ill and injured children being treated at nearby hospitals, so they can stay together to support their loved ones.
RMHC currently has 18 Houses throughout Australia, accommodating more than 10,000 families annually.
Mr Harris has spent 33 years with the company, and also owns McDonalds Ararat having previously been the state operations manager. His wife Michelle also has a corporate job at the company.
He said he had three family friends that had personally experienced the benefits of the charity.
"A staff manager at Ararat has a daughter has frequented the Royal Children's Hospital and RMHC was always there," he said.
"Sometimes people wonder how they can really help, or if a dollar makes a difference. I'd say yes it does: It's roughly $150 a night to put up a family in desperate need of accommodation."
Mr Harris said it had been a challenging year for McDonalds staff, who have not stopped working through the coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions.
"We were able to keep everyone employed, with the assistance of JobKeeper," he said.
"Some people wanted to work less given the environment and others were happy to keep working, and we just juggled it to meet everyone's needs."
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Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
