TODAY’S NEWS THE NATION’S NEWSPAPER THIS SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL Win $5,000 EDITION HAS BEEN for your PREPARED BY THE USA TODAY RMHC Chapter marketing DEPARTMENT ON Visit RMHC BEHALF OF RMHC booth #270

Monday, May 1, 2006 Newsline McDonald's Owner/Operator, ■News ■Money ■Sports ■Life supplier and employee support Canister program is top fundraising initiative The canister collection program is RMHC’s single of RMHC changes lives and largest revenue source. One billion coins were processed through the U.S. canister program in 2005 alone. Following Hurricane Katrina, customers at U.S. McDonald’s restaurants donated $3 million neighborhoods around the world. in just 40 days for hurricane victims through the canister program. RMHC Chapters around the world appreciate the McDonald’s Owner/Operators’ support of this vital program, and are devising new methods to make the program easier and unlock Welcome Owner/ its full fundraising potential. Learn more about the new U.S. canister collection program on page 2 of this special insert. Operators from First Ronald McDonald House opens in Venezuela Linda Dunham, A hemorrhage that affected her central nervous system left Maria new RMHC unable to walk. Since 2001, she has endured many hospitalizations in Caracas, Board chair far from her coastal village. Maria’s mother, Amaria, A warm welcome found lodging wherever to the McDonald’s she could to stay close Worldwide Con- to her daughter. With vention! As new outstanding support chair of the Ronald from Owner/Operators, McDonald House the young RMHC Venezuela Chapter opened the Charities Board of country’s first Ronald McDonald House in July 2005. Trustees – and the Nine-year-old Maria and her mother were among its McDonald's All American High School Basketball Team players enjoy a visit to the Ronald McDonald House in San Diego. first Owner/Operator first guests. “It was a beautiful place to stay, and the to hold this position incredible staff and volunteers joined us in our fight – I am looking for- to see Maria walk again,” says Amaria. With expert ward to working care, Maria has regained her ability to walk. And she Owner/Operator/RMHC partnerships with all of you to has also recovered her smile – thanks to the caring of move our Charity to strangers who will now forever be friends. even greater impact a potent force in communities Linda Dunham for the children of Happy Meal promotion supports the world. When McDonald’s Owner/Operators and their right in their own neighborhoods, not only through As a fellow Owner/Operator, I know how many RMHC Japan RMHC Chapters partner to improve their own the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald demands are placed on your time. And I know that, McDonald’s Japan launched a year-long communities, extraordinary things happen. Children Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile as part of the McDonald’s family, you share the initiative to donate 1 Yen for every Happy Meal receive nutritious meals and warm clothes, school programs, but through RMHC’s scholarship and legacy of social responsibility that was handed sold, to benefit RMHC Japan. With the support of supplies and immunizations, hearing aids and dental grant programs. down to us by Ray Kroc. Just as we open the door McDonald’s Japan and its Owner/Operators, RMHC sealants. They learn how to read and experience the As local business leaders, McDonald’s Owner/ to our businesses each morning, RMHC opens Japan opened its first Ronald McDonald House in arts. Children with cancer go to camp. Families of Operators are well positioned to identify and the door to opportunities for us to become more 2000, and opened three more in the last two years. seriously ill children gain comfortable lodging near address urgent needs in their communities, says involved in our communities. While RMHC is a A fifth House, located in Tochigi, is scheduled to the hospital, learn new parenting skills and receive Dave Giarla, who with his son Christopher owns global organization, its impact is right in our own open later this year. counseling to reduce the cycle of domestic violence. five restaurants in Missouri. “You name any issue backyards. Through its core programs – Ronald Disadvantaged high school grads get help paying here, we’ve been able to help through our Chapter’s McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, for college. Schools receive computers, books and grantmaking program, which allocates about Canadian Owner/Operators turns Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, as well as scholar- supplies. Pediatric hospitals add new $250,000 each year,” Dave says. ships and grants – RMHC provides the resources 10 cents into $10 million facilities, purchase new equipment Owner/Operator support means to help the very people we see and touch on a and expand programming to help the world to families enduring the McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited and Cover story daily basis. more children. serious illness of a child, says Jay E. its franchisees pledged a 10 cent per Happy Meal It wasn’t until I had a tour of the New York Supporting the efforts of their local RMHC Chapter, Berklehamer, MD, chief medical officer and senior donation to RMHC Canada, beginning in January Ronald McDonald House and met a little girl Owner/Operators are making a real difference in vice president of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. 2004. The coins added up fast – to $10 million in the from Russia that I fully understood the impact of communities around the world. “It doesn’t make “The Ronald McDonald House program serves a vital past two years. All proceeds are donated to RMHC our Charity. She was just four years old, a victim sense to me that an Owner/Operator wouldn’t be function for these children and families,” he says. Canada to directly benefit its 12 Ronald McDonald of the Chernobyl accident. I had tears streaming involved with RMHC,” says Tony Raffa, who owns “The Owner/Operators give magnanimously of their Houses and extensive grantmaking program. down my face and thought how fortunate I was four restaurants in Atlanta and has held numerous support in the Atlanta area and are instrumental The Happy Meal promotion was launched with never to have known the pain of a seriously ill positions on the Board and committees of Atlanta to the evolution of the wonderful program we a national TV, radio and print ad campaign with child. I thought how fortunate I was to have the Ronald McDonald House Charities. “This Charity is have here.” more than 7 million audience impressions. A opportunity to involve myself in an organization a standout. And where better for Owner/Operators Is RMHC entitled to the Owner/Operators’ year-long public relations campaign and in-store that is providing care and comfort for the world’s to put our charitable dollars? Consumers, and the support? Absolutely not, says Dan Harbaugh, merchandisers, including posters, trayliners and suffering children. I committed myself to help in public in general, want to see corporations do a executive director of RMHC of Metro St. Louis. “We canister inserts, sustains support. Every McDonald’s any way I could. I invite you to do the same: to good thing. This is a prime opportunity to give them have to earn their trust and support. My goal is to Owner/Operator in Canada is supporting RMHC involve yourself more fully, to rededicate yourself a better feeling about McDonald’s.” help the Owner/Operators realize the crown jewel through this ongoing program. to making this your favorite Charity. RMHC offers Owner/Operators an easy way to I am more than pleased to chair this organization. give back to people and nonprofit organizations Please see COVER STORY on page 3 u RMHC mission statement And I thank each of you for doing so much to make The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities RMHC one of the most outstanding charities in (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs the world. that directly improve the health and well being of children. RMHC fulfills its mission by creating Celebrating Europe’s first Ronald innovative, effective programs that address targeted needs and by supporting these programs and other activities conducted by its local Chapters McDonald Care Mobile program 50 years worldwide. RMHC also awards grants to other nonprofit children’s organizations that positively The launch of the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile impact the health and well being of children around program in Poland – the first in Europe – was the world. the flagship event for European World Children’s Day activities. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, the celebrated Our promise for children is simple: We will help ensure strong minds, strong bodies and safe, eagerly anticipated program of RMHC Poland, was supportive places to grow. unveiled November 9 at Poland’s first McDonald’s restaurant in Warsaw. In an emotional ceremony, the ribbon was cut by with $50 children who had been cancer patients, with a little USA TODAY Snapshot ® help from Denis Hennequin, president of McDonald’s Europe; Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York and global ambassador for World Children’s Day; and Ken million McDonald’s Owner/Operators Barun, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Owner/Operators and other representatives reveal how their partnership of McDonald’s and RMHC, civic leaders, medical professionals and hundreds of other guests and media to RMHC with RMHC has a positive from across Europe came to celebrate the state-of-the- When eight-year-old Patryk fell off his bike, his art mobile pediatric program. The Ronald McDonald In celebration of McDonald’s 50th anniversary, impact on their business: doctor was concerned that Patryk’s symptoms Care Mobile program will support RMHC Poland’s McDonald’s and its Owner/Operators, suppliers were atypical. Trained through RMHC Poland’s efforts to increase the early detection and treatment and customers raised $50 million in support of v It improves customer experience childhood cancer screening program, the doctor of childhood cancers. Ronald McDonald House Charities and other immediately referred Patryk for further screening. “As a member of the RMHC Board, I see that the children’s organizations. The $50 million was v It strengthens brand reputation He was diagnosed with leukemia. Patryk is one McDonald’s culture of giving back to the community raised throughout 2005 through numerous of 1,200 cases of childhood cancer diagnosed in is not just words, but actual deeds, and they are international, national and local McDonald’s v It instills pride in employees Poland each year. Tragically, the mortality rate is making a real difference,” says Wojciech Szpila, fundraising activities. Nearly half of the funds high because so many children are not diagnosed Owner/Operator of two restaurants in Bydgoszcz, were raised through McDonald’s annual v It gives a greater sense until the cancer is advanced. Patryk’s disease Poland. “When I see the Ronald McDonald Care fundraiser, World Children’s Day. These funds was caught early, in its most treatable stage, and Mobile program helping children from my own contributed to the opening of 15 Ronald of purpose he has an excellent prognosis. On page 3, learn neighborhood, I am overwhelmed with pride and McDonald Houses, 15 Ronald McDonald Family how RMHC’s Poland’s Care Mobile program is happiness.” Rooms, five Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles and expanding access to early diagnosis and treatment Read more about the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile numerous other children’s programs around Source: RMHC of childhood cancers. program on page 3 of this special insert. the world.

Special edition created exclusively for the 2006 McDONALD’S worldwide convention attendees Suppliers provide key support for RMHC How you can McDonald's Owner/ House, Ronald McDonald donations of such basic support. By providing these all around the world. By Operators and suppliers Family Room and Ronald necessities as food and types of goods and services, working together, the get involved have the distinct oppor- McDonald Care Mobile. beverage items. the 30,000 volunteers collective efforts of Owners/ tunity to be 'up front and One of the most visible In addition to providing and staff of RMHC are Operators, suppliers and center' in their support of ways that McDonald's these essentials, suppliers able to focus directly on the corporation strengthen Ronald McDonald House suppliers demonstrate their also offer marketing, public the RMHC mission: to McDonald's brand and in RMHC Charities and its core commitment to RMHC is relations, accounting and improve the health and help to ensure our con- programs, Ronald McDonald through their generous other business-based well being of children tinued success. v Educate yourself about RMHC. Then tell everyone our story. v Install canister collection boxes throughout your restaurant. Train your crew members to thank guests who make a donation. Enhancements to canister program v Install a RMHC merchandiser to provide guests with more information. v Promote World Children’s Day activities in improves RMHC’s signature fundraiser your restaurants. v Invite RMHC representatives to present updates at co-op meetings RMHC is making it even Gary Granader, McDonald’s markets. RMHC Global will track data by restaurant, so drive-thru canisters. RMHC easier for U.S. Owner/ Owner/Operator and RMHC add other approved vendors the local Chapter can quickly Global is working to develop v Educate your crew. Post RMHC messages and Operators to participate Global Board of Trustee. to provide national col- identify and replace any a newly designed drive-thru signs in the crew room, and include RMHC in the canister collection “The entire process will be lection coverage. missing canisters. Through canister that provides a news in every crew newsletter. program – the Charity’s faster, easier, and increase Vendors will attach a RMHC Global’s new Web- permanent solution to these v Take managers and crew members on tours largest single source of revenue for RMHC.” padlock to each canister based fulfillment process, issues. The new canisters will of your local Ronald McDonald House, Ronald revenue. In 2005 alone, U.S. T h e n e w c o l l e c t i o n and the vendor will maintain Chapters order approved in- funnel donations directly McDonald Family Room or Ronald McDonald canister collections raised program pairs reputable sole access to the keys. The store and drive-thru canisters, to a secure box inside the Care Mobile. $10.1 million. collection vendors with local vendor will collect canister accessories, inserts and other building, and are engineered v Volunteer with family, friends and crew With extensive input from RMHC Chapters to assume donations monthly (or as supplies at preferred rates. to better protect money to cook a meal for families. Owner/Operators, RMHC has responsibility for collecting, needed) and remove the While up to 65 percent of from rain or other liquids v Join your RMHC Board or serve on a put tremendous resources counting, depositing and money in the presence of the McDonald’s U.S. business is poured into the canister. committee. into the U.S. canister reporting canister donations. manager. This diminishes done through drive-thru, Once installed, drive-thru program. Improvements Chapters will gain approval security and other potential the majority of donations canister replacement costs v Learn the needs of children and nonprofit include a new collection from their local McDonald’s liability issues from having come through the in- are virtually eliminated. organizations in your community, and help process, newly designed co-op before signing a restaurant staff handle store canisters. Improving The new canisters will be them apply for a grant from your local drive-thru canisters and service agreement with the public donations. penetration in the drive- incorporated by the end of Chapter. Web-based inventory collection vendor. There is To further reduce impact on thru is critical to increasing the year as a construction v Participate in check presentations when your fulfillment. “U.S. Owner/ no cost to Owner/Operators. restaurant operations, local canister program revenue. option for new and reimaged local RMHC Chapter makes grants. Operators will no longer Brinks is the first approved RMHC Chapters will take a Problems of theft, vandalism restaurants McDonald’s and v Volunteer your expertise or talent. Whatever have to worry about counting collection vendor and is greater role in tracking and and damage from cars, RMHC are collaborating to it is, your local Chapter can use it. money, making deposits and ready to begin service in maintaining the inventory however, prompted some assess options for retrofitting sending in reports,” says many (but not yet all) U.S. of canisters. The vendor will restaurants to remove existing restaurants. Message of thanks from McDonald’s family joins hands Jim Skinner, McDonald’s for World Children’s Day World Children’s Day at McDonald’s World Children's Day in 2002, together we greeting cards and calendars that were 2005 united more than 5,000 McDonald’s have raised nearly $75 million in support sold in McDonald’s restaurants in India. The Chief Executive Officer Owner/Operators – more than 30,000 of Ronald McDonald House Charities and proceeds were donated to ORBIS, an RMHC restaurants in over 100 countries – their other children’s organizations.” grant recipient, which provides sight saving customers and suppliers, corporate and Participating U.S. eye care and surgeries to Trustee, RMHC Global individual donors, international celebrities restaurants donated a “World Children’s children in India and other and public officials with a single purpose: portion of sales from developing countries. to improve the lives of children. With Happy Meals, Extra Value Day is a great Many McDonald’s Board of Trustees Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, serving as Meals and Mighty Kids opportunity for restaurants promoted World Children’s Day Global Ambassador, Meals, while restaurants the Give A Hand program, people, customers, partners and friends, this powerful global movement creates in South Africa donated McDonald’s to selling cut-out paper help RMHC fulfill our shared passion awareness of critical children’s issues – and 50 percent of McDonald’s tell its story” hands for customers to for improving the health and well raises money to address them. Now in its fries sales to a charity personalize and then being of children and families. In 2005 fourth year, World Children’s Day 2005 was benefiting children - Mike Roberts display in the restaurant. alone, the McDonald’s family helped another resounding success, raising more impacted by HIV. In the Celebrities got into the to raise $50 million for RMHC’s world- than $23 million. "World Children's Day Czech Republic and Slovakia, 50 percent act, too. In El Salvador, actress Ashley Judd wide Chapters and other nonprofit is a great opportunity for McDonald's to of french fry sales were targeted to autographed her handprint, which was children’s organizations. tell its story," said Mike Roberts, president construction of the first Ronald McDonald auctioned with those of other celebrities RMHC benefits from your engagement and COO of McDonald's. "Since the first House. Children’s artwork adorned to raise money for RMHC El Salvador. at every level. You place canisters in your stores, donate a portion of product sales, and support World Children’s Day and other fundraising promotions. You use your business, product packaging, advertising dollars and employees to build awareness and support of the Charity. You sponsor RMHC fundraisers, volunteer at events, USA TODAY Jim Skinner donate products to Ronald McDonald Houses, and offer your time and expertise With 30,000 restaurants worldwide to RMHC’s Boards and committees. You serving 50 million people every day, the roll up your sleeves, and enlist your family, McDonald’s Corporation, Owner/Operators friends and employees – preparing meals, and McDonald's and suppliers are a powerful force for social spring cleaning, gardening, painting, and good. Through your support of Ronald doing anything else needed at your local McDonald House Charities, together we Ronald McDonald Houses. are directly improving the lives of millions While you’re at the Worldwide of children around the world. Convention, I hope you’ll take oppor- USA TODAY and McDonald's have partnered to Giving back to the community is tunities to tell other Owner/Operators and nothing new for McDonald’s; it has suppliers about your work with RMHC, benefit RMHC since 1992. Since then more than been a part of our culture since Ray Kroc and learn more about how they help this founded the company in 1955. There Charity that we all believe in so strongly. $10 million has been raised. In addition, RMHC is no charity quite like RMHC. It is not Like most good ideas, many of RMHC’s a corporate foundation, but a public programs began through the inspiration of has received more than $6 million in full color charity that enjoys a 32-year partnership just one person whose enthusiasm caught with a for-profit company. And there is fire with others. Your contribution matters. advertising in USA TODAY to promote RMHC no company like McDonald’s: a global You are the heart of Ronald McDonald family of Owner/Operators, suppliers and House Charities. I thank you for all you and their initiatives. employees who, with the support of their do to help the world’s children. RMHC welcomes new Board See the ad on page four for an example. USA TODAY is proud of our relationship with chair and trustees McDonald's and looks forward to raising additional Linda Dunham of Watchung, New Ling also serves on the Board of Directors Jersey, was elected chairman of the for the Asian McDonald’s Operators funds for local RMHC chapters. RMHC Board of Trustees at its December Association (OCA). Wai-Ling and her meeting. A McDonald’s Owner/Operator husband Steve own four McDonald’s who with her husband Lee and son Brian restaurants in San Francisco. owns six restaurants, Linda has served Owner/Operator Steve Ramirez has as a trustee for 14 years. New trustees six McDonald’s restaurants in the San For more information, include McDonald’s Owner/Operators Ysidro, California area. He serves on the Wai-Ling Eng and Steven Ramirez; Executive Committee of the San Diego visit USA TODAY booth #254 or contact Alberto de la Cruz, president and CEO of RMHC Chapter and chairs its capital Coca-Cola Puerto Rico Bottlers and Coca- campaign steering committee. He also Cola St. Marteen and president of Coca- serves on other charitable boards. Cola Trinidad and Jamaica; and Jeffrey “Linda will provide strong leadership Kindler, vice chairman of Pfizer, Inc. as our new Board chairman, and we Joel Smart, Director Owner/Operator Wai-Ling Eng is an look forward to having our new trustees officer on the Board of Directors of RMHC contribute to our mission of improving National Retail Sales of the Bay Area (San Francisco). She sits the health and well being of children,” on the Chapter’s grant committee and said Ken Barun, president and CEO chairs the scholarship committee. Wai- of RMHC. 703-854-6349 or Australia national awareness [email protected] campaign gets results McDonald’s Australia and its Owner/ families,” explains Malcolm Coutts, Operators partnered with RMHC RMHC Australia CEO . Australia in an extensive national The results? A smashing success! After awareness campaign to better inform the campaign launched, aided awareness the public about the Charity’s programs. of RMHC is at 95 percent. Fundraising is The integrated strategy used consistent up. Website hits are up. The RMHC and branding, in-store advertising such as McDonald’s family both report increased POP displays and traymats, documentary- pride and morale. And the call-to-action style TV ads, radio interviews, print ads for volunteers resulted in an astonishing and other communications. 500 percent increase in volunteer “Our goal was to convey that applications throughout the country. RMHC is more than Houses. “Most importantly, the campaign We want the public to understand that greatly boosted awareness so more RMHC provides a broad continuum of families can be helped by RMHC care for seriously ill children and their Australia’s programs,” says Malcolm. Owner/Operator/RMHC partnerships a potent force in communities Cover story continued Michigan. “Dad taught us that total have broken the $2 million because we were healthy, we mark. So successful was the they have in Ronald McDonald had to give back to children effort, Glenn formed a 501(c)3, House Charities.” who weren’t healthy,” explains Kids and Clays Foundation, Linda Morris, executive Gary, who has been involved to manage the donations director of Atlanta Ronald with the Chapter for more than to RMHC. McDonald House Charities, 20 years. Gary believes that the Owner/Operator Steve and Wes Logue, development more Owner/Operators can Ramirez, who was just elected director, work hard to educate the community about trustee of the RMHC Global demonstrate RMHC’s value to RMHC and its programs, the Board, got hooked on the Owner/Operators. They make more children can be helped. Charity almost 20 years ago, a short presentation at most In addition to canisters, World when he helped lay bricks for Co-op meetings, invite Owner/ Children’s Day, USA TODAY wheelchair accessible paths at Operators to hold sales and other in- Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle m e e t i n g s a n d store promotions, Lake. When Steve owned stores events at the House, Cover story Owner/Operators in Mexico, he helped organize and continually often find creative the first RMHC Chapter there recognize them ways to support and worked to get the first for their support. “We also RMHC. Glenn Lubeznik, Ronald McDonald House built take every opportunity to brag who owns six restaurants in in Mexico City. A second House about our Owner/Operators northwest Indiana, combined recently opened in Mexico City. to the community and to the his love of sporting clays, trap Steve now owns and operates families who benefit from and skeet shooting with his six restaurants in San Diego, their support,” says Linda. passion for RMHC. When he where he serves on the Board “And what we hear, over and was a Board member of the of the San Diego House and is over, is that the McDonald’s/ South Side Chicago Ronald fundraising chair for its $20 RMHC relationship is the most McDonald House, Glenn and million capital campaign to envied charitable partnership in his wife Kathy held a sporting build a new 47-room House. the world.” clays tournament for the House. “Owner/Operators need to Gary Granader is a second The proceeds far exceeded their be committed to RMHC for two The 2006 McDonald’s All-American Basketball Game in San Diego was a resounding success, selling generation Owner/Operator. expectations, and Glenn shared selfish reasons,” Steve says. out every event and raising almost $500,000 for the new San Diego Ronald McDonald House. His father, Harry, was one of the their idea with other Chapters. “One, I’m convinced that good founders of the Detroit Ronald Last year, tournaments around works is good for business. I’ll heartfelt thanks of a mom or a Ronald McDonald House. so good. It is an indescribable McDonald House, and Gary the country raised more than bet every Owner/Operator in grandparent thanking them That love and loyalty carries feeling of joy and connectedness helped start RMHC of Southeast $550,000 for the Charity, and in the country has received the for caring for a relative in across state lines. And two, it feels with the entire human family.” Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program Ambitious growth provides access to underserved plans for Ronald Millions of children around the world do not have access to even the most the Care Mobile program, both boys received x-rays and cleanings, and were routine health care. Created in 2000, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program linked with a permanent dental home. McDonald Family breaks down barriers to access and takes cost-effective, high quality health Like South Dakota, El Salvador presents often insurmountable barriers to care directly to the kids who need it most – right in their own neighborhoods. health care access. RMHC El Salvador will launch its Ronald McDonald Care Each Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program is tailored to the needs of the Mobile program later this year. In 2004, the Chapter created a pilot mobile Room programs communities it serves. In addition to state-of-the-art medical and/or dental pediatric clinic, providing medical and dental services to more than 700 care, Care Mobile programs provide extensive health education and link children each month out of an unfurbished trailer. The Ronald McDonald families with insurance and other community resources. Care Mobile program will enable the Chapter to deliver more sophisticated fueled by Owner/ The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program has quickly become a leader in services to more children. mobile pediatric health services. Thirty programs serve both rural and urban Owner/Operator Rodrigo Quinonez helped found RMHC El Salvador in 2000 areas in the U.S., Argentina and Poland, with six new programs scheduled to and now serves as President. How does a man who owns and operates seven open in 2006. McDonald’s restaurants – and hopes to add four more before year end – find Operator support To get her little boys to the closest dentist – more than 3 ½ hours from the time for volunteer work? Once Rodrigo got involved, he was hooked. their rural home – a South Dakota mom had to take an entire day off work “One project leads to another. It’s contagious!” Rodrigo says with a laugh. For families who travel to the hospital from around and find overnight lodging. Adding to the burden, her car often broke down His customers recognize that his business is helping their communities. And the globe and those who live just across town, a on the long drive. Because dental care was so inaccessible, her oldest son Rodrigo is inspired by the philosophy of Ray Kroc and his parents, who taught Ronald McDonald Family Room is a peaceful retreat suffered tooth rot and had to have most of his baby teeth capped. She was him to have a high degree of social responsibility. “This is my way of giving from the frantic pace and tension of the hospital. overjoyed to learn that the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program would back to the country that supports my business and my family. I want to leave Located within the hospital itself, a Ronald McDonald be providing dental exams and treatment right in their hometown. Through my children that same legacy.” Family Room is a special place for families to renew their energy and draw support from others. McDonald’s restaurants and Owner/Operators have mobilized to support the Ronald McDonald Family Room program, making it RMHC’s fastest Tiny countries, huge support from McDonald’s growing program. In Taiwan, Owner/Operators helped RMHC Taiwan open three Ronald McDonald maintain canisters and RMHC Family Rooms in the past six years. When building educational materials in every plans are complete, the Chapter hopes to help 2,500 restaurant, and donate a portion of families each year. To fund the program, the Owner/ product sales to the Charity. Operators and McDonald’s Taiwan created the “Hand “McDonald’s Bulgaria and our by Hand” campaign, which raised more than NT$25 Owner/Operators believe strongly million (US$814,000) in two years. The campaign that they have the responsibility began with the installation of new canister collection to give back and make a difference boxes in every McDonald’s restaurant to increase in the lives of children,” says Petko awareness of RMHC’s programs. World Children’s Hristev, McDonald’s Bulgaria senior Day activities were enthusiastically embraced by marketing supervisor. Owner/Operators, including the Give A Hand card, RMHC Romania has raised funds for aboriginal children’s painting programs, sale of wrist children’s hospitals and orphanages bands and a huge World Children’s Day concert. since 1998. Collection canisters, McDonald’s Bulgaria market McHappy Day and World Children’s leader Mitko Kostov, celebrity Niki Day activities at every restaurant Kanchev, crew and managers greet help fund the Chapter’s programs, Ronald McDonald customers during World Children’s and McDonald’s Romania donates Day at McDonald’s 2005. 0.5% of sales to the Chapter annually. With the support of McDonald’s Family Room offers Romania and Bulgaria are two of the Romania and the helping hands of smallest members of the McDonald’s RMHC Netherlands, the Chapter family, but the McDonald’s restaurants opened its first Ronald McDonald comforts of home are enormously supportive of their House in 2003, a 14 bedroom The colorful Ronald McDonald House in Bucharest, Romania is a haven With her engaging personality, Yana dances her RMHC Chapters. RMHC Bulgaria funds House in Bucharest. Next month, for families who travel long distances for medical treatment. way right into the hearts of all who meet her. Too projects at children’s hematology the Chapter will break ground on its many of her friends are doctors and nurses. When hospitals throughout the country. second House, to open in Timisoara shared dream between RMHC and smile again,” says Marian Alecu, she was just four years old, Yana was diagnosed with The Chapter’s work is supported next summer. McDonald’s Romania: to create RMHC Romania president and cancer. She was hospitalized for six months at Kazan by McDonald’s restaurants, which “These Ronald McDonald better conditions for the child- managing director, McDonald’s Children’s Hospital in Russia, where all patients under promote World Children’s Day, Houses are the embodiment of a ren of our country and help them Romania, Moldova. age 12 must have a parent stay with them. Yana’s mother, Svetlana, wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. But the 50 parents on the oncology floor shared woefully inadequate facilities, adding to their distress. When Yana and her mother returned for Latin American Owner/Operators join forces to another lengthy hospitalization in the fall of 2005, they were thrilled to learn that RMHC Russia was about to open a Ronald McDonald Family Room. In fact, Yana open countries’ first Ronald McDonald Houses was one of its most enthusiastic volunteers, happily affixing stickers of Ronald McDonald’s big shoes to Mobile program in Argentina, a Ronald Salvador and Belize to travel up to 18 the hospital walls. The Family Room includes a cozy McDonald Family Room in Guatemala, hours – often by bus – to reach the living room where parents can watch TV, read and broad grantmaking programs and pediatric hospital in Guatemala City. chat; a fully equipped kitchen; showers and laundry. dozens of other initiatives to improve Guatemala’s first Ronald McDonald There is a computer and a play area brimming with the lives of children in Latin American House, opened last summer by toys and games. “When we have to stay so long, it countries. Owner/Operators avidly RMHC Guatemala, offers families a makes such a difference to have a place that feels like support the canister program, World comfortable 10-bedroom temporary home,” says Svetlana. Children’s Day and in-store fundraising home near the hospital. Although the Ronald McDonald Family Room is a and awareness campaigns, and often The 250th Ronald McDonald House new concept in Russia, the support of McDonald’s hold their own fundraisers such as opened its doors in Caracas, Venezuela Russia enabled RMHC Russia to open four Ronald car washes, concerts and photos with last summer. Jose Armario, president, McDonald Family Rooms since summer 2004. All Santa. They are enthusiastic backers McDonald's Latin America, and his Latin are designed to create a comfortable, home-like of Chapter golf tournaments, galas, American leadership team helped open atmosphere for both parents and children. Several raffles and other fundraisers. And the country's first House. In addition include overnight accommodations for parents of they are among their Chapter’s to 15 guest rooms, the new House the most critically ill children. The setting encourages staunchest volunteers. provides meals and transportation, parents to gather together, share experiences and gain RMHC Puerto Rico was founded and social workers, nutritionists and strength from each other. by McDonald’s Owner/Operators teachers will assist families. And RMHC who wanted to improve the well Mexico opened its second Ronald being of children on the island. McDonald House a few months ago in Owner/Operator efforts funded Tlalnepantla. The 36-bedroom House Owner/Operator Carlos Rivera “adopted” a guest room at the RMHC scholarships, an ambulance and serves four area hospitals that draw Puerto Rico’s Ronald McDonald House. It is one of eight rooms adopted by playground for children’s hospitals, families from across the country for Owner/Operators in both Puerto Rico and the U.S. renovation of a children’s hospital, pediatric medical care. computer labs and numerous other While RMHC Costa Rica and From the first Ronald McDonald in 28 countries. Latin America alone initiatives. But their biggest dream RMHC Panama do not have a Ronald House in Philadelphia to the newest has opened 4 Houses in the past was realized last fall, when Casa McDonald House, Family Room Houses in England, Japan and Puerto 2 years – most of them a first in Ronald McDonald Puerto opened. or Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Rico, every Ronald McDonald House their country. The 10-bedroom House is the first in program, the Chapters have strong offers families the comfort of home The strong growth of RMHC the Caribbean. grantmaking programs. Among their during the most difficult journey programs in Latin America was driven “McDonald’s Caribbean Division projects are in-hospital classrooms for they will ever face. The cornerstone by McDonald’s Owner/Operators in the and the Owner/Operators of the ill children. These Chapters also enjoy of RMHC, the Ronald McDonald region. In fact, many of the Chapters entire Caribbean support our cause,” the staunch backing of McDonald’s House program has been a temporary were founded by Owner/Operators. says Brandi Hale, RMHC Puerto Rico restaurants and corporate offices, Ronald McDonald and Khamzat Khasbulatov, “home away from home” for more RMHC now has licensed Chapters in 13 executive director. “We would not be which work to educate the McDonald’s president of McDonald’s Eastern Europe and RMHC than 10 million families since the first Latin America countries, and the region here without them.” family and its customers and con- Russia Chairman of the Board, were entertained by House opened in 1974. RMHC now boasts 8 Ronald McDonald House It’s not uncommon for families from duct fundraisers to benefit the Yana (in pink hat) and friends at the opening of the has 259 Ronald McDonald Houses programs, a Ronald McDonald Care Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Chapters’ programs. Ronald McDonald Family Room in Kazan.