At McDonald’s, we are committed to making a difference in the communities we serve. Our dedication to uplifting people and promoting positive change is evident worldwide. Here are a few ways we have strived to put people first. Take a look!

1. Latin America: Espacio Azul (Blue Spaces)

McDonald's Arcos Dorados (Latin American and Caribbean locations) created the Blue Spaces program, an inclusion initiative focused on assisting people with autism spectrum disorder and their families in our restaurants. Four pillars are at the program's core: spaces, menu, training, and attention to ensure implementation is organized and safe while complying with standards. The program is currently active in 10 countries and more than 2,000 restaurants. 

2. Italy: Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities has played a crucial role in strengthening families and promoting healing when children need healthcare. Around the globe, they provide vital resources to families to ensure the best health outcomes for their children. Among the 1,000+ RMHC programs around the world, this Ronald McDonald House, located on the west coast of Italy, not only offers families the comforts of home but also a unique touch of tranquility thanks to its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

3. United States: The McRig  

It's a bird, it's a plane, nope, it's The McRig! This initiative features a full-sized tractor-trailer that houses nearly a complete McDonald's kitchen, ready to spring into action. Designed with a mission to deliver comfort during times of crisis, The McRig often shows up during natural disasters, touching the lives of those affected by providing freshly prepared meals. Complementary grab-and-go meals include our iconic cheeseburgers, crispy McNuggets, Fries, refreshing apple slices, and bottled water.

4. South Korea: Kid Zones

McDonald’s South Korea has taken a significant step towards creating a more inclusive environment for families with the launch of its “Yes Kid Zones” campaign. This initiative has been implemented across more than 400 of its restaurants, including welcoming spaces for children and their parents. This comes in response to the rising trend of “No Kids Zones,” a label some restaurants and cafes have adopted that prohibits children from the establishment. The community was thrilled about this initiative, and it even prompted the city of Seoul to launch a similar project called “Seoul Kids Okay Zone.”

5. United States: Origin of the McDonald’s Drive – Thru  

Did you know that the inspiration for the McDonald's Drive-Thru actually stemmed from soldiers stationed at Fort Huachuca Army Base? The McDonald's franchisee noticed a significant decline in sales and later discovered many of its potential customers were military personnel who had a unique requirement when they were off base: they had to remain in their vehicles while wearing their Army uniforms. Recognizing this issue, the McDonald's team was motivated to find a solution that would cater to their customers' needs, so the Drive-Thru concept was born. 
 

McDonald’s has a long-standing commitment to community involvement, and you can often catch employees from locations across the globe stepping up to make a difference in their local areas. This is especially true during September, when employees participate in Global Volunteer Month. You might see employees rolling up their sleeves and getting hands-on with projects that benefit their neighborhoods, from cleaning the streets and parks to painting benches or volunteering at their local Ronald McDonald House.