Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Saskatchewan is saluting the franchisees of the Estevan McDonalds for their support over the years.
Through their McDonald’s giving over the years, Tim and Chris Jenish have been able to support families from Estevan, and beyond, who have needed to travel for the medical needs of their child or children.
In the past two years, 12 families from Estevan have stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon for a total of 58 nights – and the McDonald’s in Estevan has supported them.
One of these families is Jolene and Raivyn Millions, who stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in both Saskatoon and Edmonton during Raivyn’s medical journey, which began in 2008 when she was four years old.
“Most of our RMHC stays have been at the Saskatoon House and my favourite memory will always be the staff and volunteers, and the many things they have done for and with me – from their late night talks, to fresh baking in the kitchen, to their interest in my sports and well-being, and how my family and I are always welcomed with a round of hugs. The Ronald McDonald House will forever be in my heart,” said Raivyn Millions.
Tim Jenish said the local McDonalds finds a number of different ways to support RMHC. They have their coin boxes, with 100 per cent of money directed to the house. Right now they have the RMHC round-up, in which customers have the option of rounding up their bill. The difference between their actual bill and the rounded-up amount is donated.
“For example, if your bill was $4.80, we would ask you if you’d like to round it up for the house, it would go up to $5, so 20 cents would go to the house,” said Jenish.
Five cents from every cookie and 10 cents from every Happy Meal are donated as well.
They have participated in a French fries program fundraiser. McHappy Day, which supports Ronald McDonald House, was cancelled in 2020, so instead there was a three-week promotion in which proceeds from the French fries they sold go to the house.
The Prairie Winds Motorcycle Club has their annual Ride for Ronald McDonald House that raises thousands of dollars.
“We support their effort by giving them a place to register, and giving them a free soft drink or ice cream,” said Jenish.
And they have had fundraisers at Estevan Bruins hockey games. The last one was in January 2020 that raised around $4,000.
The Jenishes were part of the board of directors for the house from 2004-2007, and it was a great experience for them.
“The house will forever be part of our lives, even post-McDonalds. It’s amazing to see what they do for families who are in a tough situation with their child being sick. We just loved the time sitting on the board, and seeing all of the different activities and the different work that goes into making the house a success.”
Since 2010, the Jenishes have directly donated over $52,000.
Other Estevan community support through 3rd party events and direct donations since 2010 has amounted to over $41,000.
Each year over $500,000 is raised in Saskatchewan from McDonald’s operations and guest support. These contributions stay in the community to serve the people of Saskatchewan when they need it most.
