McDonald’s customers raise £3.9 m for charity accommodation house

18 / 05 / 2021

By Marwa Nassar - -

McDonald’s customers, restaurants and Franchisees in Scotland raised £3.9 million through the Scottish Government’s bag charge initiative to support the establishment of Ronald McDonald House Edinburgh.

Ronald McDonald House Edinburgh is the 12th House operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities UK. The Charity supports families in Houses across England, Wales and now Scotland, providing free ‘home away from home’ accommodation.

The Houses keep families together, close to their children in hospital. They provide a place to sleep, cook and retain some sense of normal life; a lifeline for families at a very stressful time, especially when they are far from home.

A Ronald McDonald House saves each family £1,867 on average, in out-of-pocket accommodation expenses.

House Manager of Ronald McDonald House Edinburgh, Gary Ridgewell said “We are steadily taking in families, in compliance with current covid restrictions, and hope to welcome in many more as restrictions ease, as they seek the best possible care for their child in the hospital.”

Local McDonald’s franchisee Graham Angus, who owns and operates two restaurants in Edinburgh, said “The McDonald’s family are so proud to support such an incredible charity, and to see the net proceeds of the bag charge go to such a brilliant cause is a proud moment for us and our customers.”

The new Ronald McDonald House boasts 25 bedrooms and a wide range of family-friendly facilities. The House will offer some much needed respite for families who are supporting their child undergoing hospital treatment, giving them a place to rest and recharge.