South London McDonald's restaurants visit local Ronald McDonald Houses to provide a day of magical festive memories for families

Crew members from nearby McDonald’s restaurants set aside utensils in exchange for festive music and party games at the Camberwell and Evelina London Houses.

Children were treated to face-painting, festive activities and games. To top it off, the local McDonald’s restaurants provided each child with a tasty Happy Meal® for a much-needed bite amidst all the festive fun.

In addition, local McDonald’s franchisee Terry Eagle delivered two six-foot Christmas trees to both Camberwell and Evelina Houses to add to the magic.

McDonald’s is a founding and forever partner of the Charity, which has provided vital support to tens of thousands of families across the UK at each of its 14 locations since 1989. The Houses, located next to specialist NHS children’s hospitals, allow families to be by their child's bedside in a matter of moments, whilst maintaining a degree of normality during very difficult times.

Just 24 weeks and six days into her pregnancy, Amy Brett gave birth to their tiny baby daughter, Anela. Anela was immediately rushed into intensive care many miles from the family home. This is where Ronald McDonald House Charities UK stepped in.

Discussing the festive House parties, Amy Brett commented: "It means so much to our family to be able to revisit the Ronald McDonald House at Christmas and take part in all the wonderful festivities. We stayed at both the Evelina London and Camberwell Houses while our little girl was in hospital.

"It's lovely for her to now visit the Houses and join in the fun, and it's a very healing experience for our eldest daughter who lived in both Houses for a long time while her sister was poorly. We're so grateful to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK and McDonald's for all their support for families with babies and children in hospital."

Terry Eagle, Franchisee of the local McDonald’s restaurants supporting the House parties said, “I’m so proud of my crew who volunteered to support the House parties and it’s my absolute pleasure to provide the Christmas trees. Any time of the year is difficult when you have a child in hospital but it particularly hits home at Christmas. If you can donate, then please give what you can to help the Charity continue their vital work. We look forward to continuing our supporting of each House in the future.”

Festive parties are taking place all over the UK, with each of the 14 Ronald McDonald Houses enjoying their own fun-filled occasion supported by the generosity of their local McDonald’s restaurant and crew.

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 for the Charity in restaurant via donation boxes at the tills, rounding up your order at the kiosks, by scanning the QR code on festive McCafé cups, as well as via the McDonald’s App.