How McHappy Day Gives Back, One Meal at a Time
September 03, 2025
At McDonald’s, we believe that impactful change starts with small, joyful moments like the sizzle of a Big Mac on the grill or the flicker of a smile during a Happy Meal surprise. But once a year, that joy takes on even greater meaning in all of the different ways we celebrate McHappy Day, our global fundraising event that turns every bite into a building block for better futures at the Ronald McDonald House.
The celebration comes in all different shapes and sizes supporting children, families, and local communities through proceeds earned from fan-favorite menu items. Learn about some of the amazing ways McDonald’s celebrates McHappy Day across the globe.
Brazil: McDia Feliz
In Brazil, McHappy Day is affectionately known as McDia Feliz, and is a nationwide show of support, purpose, and of course, appetite. São Paulo, Brazil’s celebration will celebrate its 37th anniversary on August 23. Customers can purchase pre-sale tickets that they can redeem for Big Macs on the big day.
“Where do the proceeds go?” one may ask. They go straight to two powerhouse nonprofit organizations: the Ronald McDonald Institute, which supports kids battling cancer, and the Ayrton Senna Institute, which champions quality public education across Brazil.
In 2024, the fundraising campaign supported 85 transformative projects across the country. It also extended emergency support to flood-affected families in Rio Grande do Sul, because compassion is always on the menu.
Canada: McHappy Day
From coast to coast, McDonald’s Canada shows up in full force for McHappy Day, and this year was no different. Held on May 8, this year’s Canadian McHappy Day was all about togetherness, and found local McDonald’s restaurants donating a portion of proceeds from every menu item sold to Ronald McDonald House Canada and local children’s charities.
The local community got involved by simply grabbing their morning coffee, enjoying lunch with coworkers, or treating themselves to a sundae. Even better, many guests opted to Round-Up for Ronald McDonald House or donated even more through the app, drive-thru, or self-serve kiosks, because generosity should be as easy as ordering fries.
Malta: Small Island, Mighty Heart
Since 2013, McHappy Day in Malta has proven that impact doesn’t require scale, it requires heart. With efforts powered by both customers and employees, Malta’s campaign supports children with learning difficulties through the Inspire Foundation and 18 other nonprofit organizations committed to doing good.
Customers can chip in by rounding up at kiosks, converting loyalty points, or purchasing cute collectibles like plush toys and socks (which many showed off through #TheHelpingSock social media challenge). Contributions rolled in from Happy Meal sales, staff donations, and marketing partnerships, which proves that even behind the scenes, everyone’s able to contribute.
Spain: Breaking Records with Big Macs and Big Hearts
Spain’s McHappy Day, which was celebrated at the end of last year, was nothing short of monumental. Held on December 6, the event raised a record-breaking number of sales through Big Macs and cuddly toys across more than 615 restaurants nationwide.
But the numbers are only half the story. Since 2002, Ronald McDonald House Spain has welcomed over 18,000 families into its five Ronald McDonald Houses and four Family Rooms, creating warm and supportive spaces. In Spain, McHappy Day isn’t just a tradition, it’s a heartfelt promise to families who need support the most.
United Arab Emirates: A Sweet First Step
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) joined the global McHappy Day initiative for the first time this year and made a sweet impact right out of the gate. On June 12, 100% of Ice Cream Sundae sales were donated to the Red Crescent Medical Center (RCMC), the only healthcare facility in the UAE offering completely free medical care to those in need.
The result? Sundae sales soared by 61%! Customers in the UAE can continue supporting RCMC year-round by redeeming Rewards Points through the McDonald’s app or donating directly in restaurants. A scoop of soft serve never felt so heartwarming.
Japan: Blue Mac Day
After first being introduced in 2017 to McDonald’s restaurants in Japan, McHappy Day rebranded in 2022 to align with the signature blue of Japan’s Ronald McDonald House. The result? Blue Mac Day.
Celebrated on October 20th last fall, Blue Mac Day focused on providing donations for every Happy Meal purchased. Japan restaurants hosted fundraising activities like community booths and in-store events that took place for a full month.
Blue Mac Day was preceded by the Blue Happy Festival on October 17, a high-energy concert-style event that drew 48,000 applicants, 11,000 attendees and online viewers, and earned 1.9 million views across TikTok and YouTube.
In Every Corner of the Globe, McHappy Day Unites Us
From São Paulo to Toronto, McHappy Day is more than a fundraiser: it’s a feel-good force for change. It reminds us that doing good doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as saying, “Make mine a Big Mac.”