SATURDAY 14 October saw the staff of Salamander Bay McDonald’s take part in the nationwide annual fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

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The balloons were up, the tables organised into different activities and staff enthused and ready to go.

Caitlen Bartlett, is a shift manager at the restaurant and was also in charge of this year’s sports-themed event.

Last year the day raised $2000 and this time around they are aiming for $3000 towards this extremely worthwhile charity.

Ronald McDonald Houses are located all across Australia at both women’s and children’s hospitals, with the nearest one to the Bay being at the John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle.

These houses enable families to stay close to their loved ones in comfortable and supportive surroundings at a very stressful time.

The charity also has other arms to it.

They launched a mobile unit that they provide in conjunction with Royal Far West, which has two consulting rooms and provides a range of health services to children and their families living in remote outback Australia.

The charity has also made a five year $2.25million commitment to Cord Blood Banks, helping children who require a bone marrow transplants.

RMHC also offers family retreats and a range of educational services.

The local Salamander staff kept kids busy with a craft corner, Lolly Bar, Lucky Dip, Face Painting and various activities with prizes.

The three-week charity drive up to the big day saw $2 from the sale of every Big Mac going to the charity.

Helping Hands for $2 could be purchased and some rather funky red and white striped socks for just $3.

Caitlen told News Of The Area, “A lot of time is put into delivering a successful McHappy Day. A massive thank you to my crew, local businesses and the community at large.”

“One day I posted on Facebook asking for donations and the next week the manager’s office was overflowing. Thank you so much for helping me create a successful day for this amazing charity, to keep seriously ill children and their families together.”

By Sarah STOKES