McDonald’s franchisees recognized with coveted Anthony Roman Award

The Markham Board of Trade recently celebrated the achievements of local businesses at the 34th Annual Business Excellence Awards held at the Hilton Toronto/Markham.

The award recipients were Weins Auto Group (Business Employer of Excellence), The Centre of Dreams (Community Relations & Cultural Enrichment), Icon Digital (Donald Cousens Conservation & Environmental Leadership), Brother Seafood King (Entrepreneurship), Duo Pâtisserie & Café (Food Service & Hospitality), LearnFormula (Global Business Excellence), ESET Canada (High Quality and Service), Virotek Biosciences (Innovation), and Todd and Marcia Finlayson (Anthony Roman award, honouring community leadership in addition to business success).

Mike Kanaga, Market Supervisor with Finlayson Hospitality Partners, is proud to play a part in this significant achievement, saying, “Todd and Marcia are true role models, deeply caring for people from all walks of life. It’s simply who they are—it’s in their DNA. Their passion for uplifting others inspires all of us, and the Anthony Roman Award is a well-deserved recognition of their unwavering commitment to making a difference.”

“It’s a huge honour and one that we couldn’t have achieved without our restaurant teams and the ‘Fabulous 15 Circle of Champions’ fundraising group,” said local McDonad’s franchisee Todd Finlayson.

In 2013, Marcia and Todd founded the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Markham Stouffville Hospital, which has supported over 1,200 families since opening its doors. Since then, their restaurant teams, customers and local fundraising group have raised over $2M for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“I’ve been with McDonald’s for 48 years, and giving back is truly in the DNA of the Golden Arches, whether you’re a crew member or a franchisee,” said Marcia Finlayson.

Marcia currently sits on the Board of Directors and development committee for RMHC Toronto, and Todd serves as the Chair of the Curriculum Advisory Board for Seneca Polytechnic’s Hospitality program. Todd is also a founding and current member of the Humber River Hospital’s Corporate Patience and Family Safety Advisory Board. Marcia and Todd have volunteered with Kids Help Phone, Centennial College, and Junior Achievement and are members of the Inner Circle at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Photo: Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti presents Anthony Roman Award to Marcia and Todd Finlayson.