Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario is thanking Chatham-Kent for this year's hugely successful McHappy Day fundraiser.
The annual event raised almost $27,000 locally. Last year, the CK community raised just over $22,000.
Director of Development Jenne Wason Benoit says the support is heartwarming.
"It's absolutely huge. I cannot believe what a wonderful community we have and how we're able to keep growing and supporting the families coming from Chatham-Kent and across southwestern Ontario. They need a home away from home for their child's medical care," says Wason Benoit.
The yearly fundraiser helps charities, groups, families and children with support programs and camps.
It's the 40th year for the fundraiser.
Wason Benoit says Ronald McDonald House is very important to families dealing with their child's critical illness.
"Knowing that they have that entire support network there for everything else they might need. We can't solve the medical, that's at the hospital, but we can do pretty much everything else as far as giving them a place to stay and giving them meals," she says. "Whatever they might need, we're there for them as well as other families going through similar circumstances. They can talk about it together and share medical insights. So, it's pretty huge."
