The WMRC community thanks George Bolanis, owner of McDonald’s restaurants in Beaconsfield, Dorval and Kirkland, his family and McDonald’s customers for helping to raise an astounding $4,000 for the WMRC respite home yesterday as part of this year’s McHappy Day.
“We’re told this was a record day and the respite home will receive double the amount we thought!” said Gary Whittaker, WMRC chairman.
“The timing is perfect to buy teaching equipment for the home that we would not otherwise have been able to buy.”
The WMRC chairman was one of seven WMRC Board members who donned McDonald’s aprons, sold items and answered questions about the home and the Taylor-Birks Foundation, welcoming visitors that included local police and David Pollock, mayor of Beaconsfield.
The respite home is the biggest project ever for the Taylor-Birks Foundation, one of the centre’s key partners, which raised close to $1 million in corporate, community and employee donations to build and furnish it. WMRC children with complex needs and their families will benefit from this specialized facility, which will be owned and operated by WMRC partner Centre Marc Vanier.
Mr. Bolanis donated a portion of proceeds from the sale of Big Macs and coffee to the much-needed home (which will hold its grand opening next month) as well as toys, mugs and eyeglass cleaner for WMRC volunteers to sell. Mr. Bolanis’ son Kevin, who also works there, joined in the fundraising effort and is pictured above, at right, with Mr. Whittaker.