WORLD Children’s Day, was celebrated on Wednesday.
Over 1.6million South African children suffer from malnutrition, and this shows the unequal society our country is experiencing.
To try and remedy those unfortunate stats, McDonald’s South Africa, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), commemorated World Children’s Day, at the McDonald restaurant in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.
Over 50 kids with special needs were the guests, and according to RMHC these kids are chronic and are housed at both Chris Hani Baragwanath and Nelson Mandela Childrens’ Hospitals.
Portia Mudau, originally from Venda but now residing in Jozi, says this day always brings mixed emotions as his (11) son is also chronic.
“For starters, I’m grateful that my son did get medical attention at the NMCH since one of his kidney had to be removed. As we speak today he’s living with one kidney, yet you will not tell he’s sick. He’s a normal boy, who stays with his Granny and attends school, doing Grade 5,” says Mudau, who pointed out his boy was chronic since from birth.
On a near tear-jerk, she advised: “My message to other parents/families who are experiencing the same fate as mine, should visit either Bara or NMCH for medication, they will get help. I urge them to do that, please,” she remarked.
This year’s celebration shines a spotlight on the transformative impact of the R10 Hand Campaign, an initiative that empowers McDonald’s customers to make a difference by purchasing hand-shaped stickers for just R10.
Every contribution directly supports RMHC’s mission to provide a “home away from home” for families with children undergoing medical treatment, says Sechaba Motsieloa, Marketing Director at McDonald’s South Africa.
“World Children’s Day is a powerful reminder that we are all connected in creating a brighter future for the next generation. Through the R10 Hand Campaign, we are enabling communities to come together, provide essential support, and uplift families in need. Every small act of kindness counts in the lives of these children and families,” continued Motsieloa, who said they’ve supported RMCH over 13 years.
This global celebration, observed on November 20, is dedicated to advocating for children’s rights and creating a better future for the next generation, reaffirming commitment to supporting children’s health and well-being.
The impact of RMHC’s work is best captured through the stories of the families it serves. Families who have stayed at Ronald McDonald Houses across South Africa share heart-warming accounts of how the charity has supported them during their medical journeys.
These stories highlight the emotional and practical relief RMHC provides, from reducing financial strain to fostering a sense of community among families facing similar challenges.
Nicholas Marcel, Acting CEO of McDonald’s South Africa, expressed gratitude to all those who have supported the campaign: “World Children’s Day reminds us of the critical role we play in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. The R10 Hand Campaign is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community.
Every sticker purchased represents a step toward providing comfort, care, and hope to families in need.”
Marcel also noted that they plan to expand RMHC services to other provinces as the need to help these children grows. On the controversial issue of children dying as a result of food poisoning, he lamented that stringent By-Laws need to implemented as this also affect their business, one way or the other.
Since these kids attend school everyday, we must make sure their nutrition is up to scratch, quipped Reggie Siphiwe Skhosana, the owner of the McDonald Auckland outlet, who is also former chairperson at the RMHC.
“I heard about the RMCHC whilst in NZ studying and upon my return, invested time and resources, as any kid on this ‘Mother Earth’ must be taken care of,” says ardent Golfer Skhosana, who also brought to my attention that a new Kombi was bought to help ferry kids from school to hospital everyday.
On his thought on food poisoning, Motsieloa said, its unfortunate because were we operate our businesses, the same people (customers) who purchase our food, are affected by food poisoning and this affect our brand.
“We’re happy the President has come out strongly to condemn such; and made a calling that such unfortunate incidents should never repeat itself.”
Former first democratic President utata Nelson Mandela once quoted” giving children a healthy start in life, no matter where they are born or the circumstances of their birth, is the moral obligation of every one of us”.
Oh, by the way the kids did not allow yours truly any engagement as they were busy with face paintings, dancing and tending to their hair from a mobile truck. And of course, loads of burgers and Grimace milkshakes.
Guess what none asked about The Purple Grimace. Such cowards…
For more information about RMHC and how you can support its initiatives, visit McDonald’s South Africa website.
Top image SLM ( World Children’s’ Day was celebrated with kids from RMHC, who were spoilt with face paintings, dancing, hair-tending and loads of burgers and Grimace milkshakes at McDonald’s Auckland Park outlet on Wednesday afternoon).
