Christmas cheer was in full swing as McDonald’s Tooting restaurant and Tooting RMHC House came together to host a festive day of joy, games and togetherness for families. Parents and children staying at the free ‘home away from home’ accommodation at Tooting House often miss out on seasonal traditions and family gatherings, so the House partnered with its local McDonald’s restaurant to sprinkle some much-needed Christmas magic.
To make the celebration extra special, every family received a festive party box bursting with Christmas games, decorations and gifts, helping to bring a little sparkle into their stay during what can be an incredibly difficult time.
Smiles lit up the room as crew members from the nearby McDonald’s Tooting restaurant swapped their cooking utensils for tinsel, trivia and holiday crafts at the Tooting House. Children enjoyed festive face-painting, cheerful activities and plenty of games, all rounded off with a tasty Happy Meal® for a much-needed break amidst the excitement!
McDonald’s is a founding and forever partner of the Charity, which has provided vital support to thousands of families across the UK at each of its 14 locations since 1989. The Houses, located beside specialist NHS children’s hospitals, allow families to remain close to their child while maintaining a sense of normality during incredibly challenging times. As its biggest supporter, McDonald’s has helped more than 100,000 families through ongoing fundraising and support.
Charlotte stayed at Ronald McDonald House Charities UK while her son, Frank, received care after being born prematurely in July 2024. As a first-time mum, staying at the Tooting House allowed her to remain close to Frank during an incredibly challenging and emotional time, without the added strain of long daily journeys.
“Without the Ronald McDonald House, I don’t know how we would have coped. We would have been driving a three-hour round trip every single day. As a first-time mum already drowning in worry, being far from my baby was my worst nightmare.
The House itself is such a warm, cosy place. They think of everything down to the toothbrushes. Getting that Christmas hamper, celebrating my 30th birthday here and seeing all the events happening at the House brought little splashes of everyday life to our upside-down world.”
You can read more about families supported by Ronald McDonald House Charities UK on their website here.
Surjit Manger, Franchisee of the Tooting restaurant, added: “I’m so proud of my crew at the Tooting restaurant for volunteering to support our local Tooting House. Hearing the families’ stories really brings home how important Ronald McDonald House Charities UK is, especially at Christmastime. The team loved helping make the House party magical, and we look forward to continuing our support for the Charity and our local Tooting House for many years to come.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities UK relies on the generosity of supporters and fundraisers, including McDonald’s customers, without whom it would be unable to continue its vital work.
You can help fundraise this Christmas for the Charity by scanning the QR code on the festive McCafé cups, via donation boxes at the tills, rounding up your order at the kiosks as well as via the McDonald’s App. For further information kindly find this link here – Ronald McDonald House Charities UK Christmas Comforts.
