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 Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®).
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, McDia Feliz (McHappy Day) is a nationwide show of support, purpose, and of course, appetite. São Paulo, Brazil will celebrate its 37th anniversary on August 23, 2025. 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 the state of Rio Grande do Sul, because compassion is always on the menu.
Canada: McHappy Day
From coast to coast, McDonald’s Canada and its independent franchisees show up in full force for McHappy Day, and this year was no different. On May 8, 2025, McHappy Day celebrated the spirit of togetherness, with local McDonald’s restaurants in Canada donating a portion of proceeds from every menu item sold to RMHC Canada and children's charities in the local community. A-Listers have even partnered with McDonald’s in the past to show off their McHappy Day pride.
The local community got involved by grabbing their morning coffee, enjoying lunch with coworkers, or treating themselves to a sundae. Even better, many guests opted to Round-Up for RMHC 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 and families facing intellectual, developmental or social challenges, through the RMHC Malta Learning Centre. By partnering with over 18 local nonprofit organizations committed to doing good, the chapter, RMHC Malta hosts educational and specialized support programs designed to keep families together.
Customers can chip in by rounding up at kiosks, converting loyalty points, or purchasing cute collectibles like plush toys. 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, 2024, the event raised a record-breaking number of sales through Big Macs and cuddly toys across more than 615 restaurants nationwide, which benefited families in need.
But the numbers are only half the story. Since 2002, Ronald McDonald House Charities 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 in 2025 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 being introduced in 2017 to McDonald’s restaurants in Japan, McHappy Day rebranded in 2022 to align with the signature blue of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). The result? Blue Mac Day.
Blue Mac Day, which was last celebrated on October 20, 2024, focuses on providing donations to RHMC for every Happy Meal purchased. McDonald’s Japan restaurants host month-long fundraising activities like community booths and in-store events.
But even before Blue Mac Day arrived, McDonald’s Japan hosted the Blue Happy Festival on October 17, a high-energy charity concert experience that featured a performance from South Korean boy band Riize. The festival drew 48,000 event 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.”