Local McDonald’s owners rally community for McHappy Day

McHappy Day is returning on Wednesday, May 6, and independent McDonald’s franchisees Marcia and Todd Finlayson are inviting the community to stop by their Markham and Stouffville restaurants to enjoy their favourite menu items while supporting families in need.

A strong commitment to community is at the core of the Finlaysons’ operations. Throughout the year—and especially on McHappy Day—their teams work to raise essential funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Family Room at Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Nationally, the duo have been top McHappy Day fundraisers since 2017. Every year, their teams partner with the Fabulous 15 Fundraising Committee to support families with critically sick and injured children.

“McHappy Day means a lot to us and our team, it’s more than just fundraising, it’s about helping families right here in our community when they need it the most,” said Todd Finlayson.

Community members can support the cause in several ways leading up to the event, including rounding up their orders, purchasing a McHappy Day coupon booklet, or buying a paper heart or McHappy Day socks featuring classic McDonaldland characters. Each contribution helps ensure families can stay close to their loved ones during difficult times.

“McHappy Day is our favourite day of the year and a perfect example of what we can achieve when we come together. Knowing that a simple act, like ordering your morning coffee on McHappy Day, can help bring some normalcy to a family when they need it most, it’s a great feeling,” said Marcia Finlayson.

In addition to their fundraising efforts, the Finlaysons have announced that their McDonald’s restaurant at McCowan & Highway 7, which has been serving the community for 45 years, will be undergoing renovations starting May 11 and will be unveiling a brand-new dining area so guests can enjoy their favourite meals in a more modern environment in late June. They look forward to reopening the restaurant and celebrating with the community this summer.

Photo: Town Crier team John and Mary Webster ring in McHappy Day 2025 alongside fundraising leader Roger Keeley, Bank of Montreal McHappy Day heroes Kevin Muir and Anna Campoli, and owner-operator Marcia Finlayson.