McHappy Day brings communities together in Saskatchewan

For one Saskatchewan family, that impact is deeply personal.

“Our experience with RMH is truly hard to put into words,” said North Battleford’s Raeanne McIntyre. “During some of the hardest moments of our lives, RMH has been so much more than just a place to stay – it has been our home away from home.”

Braxton, her son, has been at the center of a long and challenging journey that has taken his family through hospitals in Saskatoon, Calgary, and Toronto. Along the way, they’ve spent more than 750 nights at RMH.

Braxton during a past McHappy Day. (Image Credit: Raeanne McIntyre)

Born at just 29 weeks and weighing one pound, Braxton has faced a complex medical journey, including a form of bone marrow failure and neutropenia, requiring ongoing care.

Through it all, the family says RMH has allowed them to stay together when it mattered most.

“What makes RMH so special is not only the incredible staff and volunteers, but also the sense of community it creates. The bonds you form with other families who truly understand what you are going through are something indescribable,” McIntyre said.

As McHappy Day shines a spotlight on giving back, families like the McIntyres say that support makes all the difference.

For local business owners, it’s also a chance to see that impact come to life firsthand. Hardeep Samra, Owner operator in North Battleford is experiencing her first McHappy Day.

“It’s been delightful,” she said. “It’s just awesome to see the culture and the vibe within and see the local community come and help support RMH. It’s just been a joyful experience for myself and everybody that’s come to help us out.”

Volunteers helping work in North Battleford’s McDonald’s on McHappy Day. (Image Credit: battlefordsNOW)

Samra, who mentioned that some people came out specifically to donate, talked about how a day like this brings the community together.

“Everybody’s here to support. McDonald’s, the community, and the local supporters like the radio station, RBC, everybody that’s coming out to just help raise what we need to raise for a good cause.”

Whether it’s an impact as direct as with the McIntyre family, or something more distant, the RMH has touched the lives of so many.

North Battleford Mayor Kelli Hawtin helping at the McDonald’s window for McHappy Day. (Image Credit: battlefordsNOW)

“Everybody kind of has a connection with it. Whether it’s first and foremost on their behalf or a family member, everybody kind of has that bond with the Ronald McDonald House,” said Samra.

Support for the day was also felt across the province, especially in Prince Albert, where construction is now underway on one of RMH’s newest facilities.

This year’s McHappy Day in Prince Albert. (Image Credit: Logan Lehmann)

“We are excited to announce that we are building a 12-room house right here in Prince Albert,” said Karen Linsley, director of development and communications for RMH.

“We’ll be able to support 12 families that are traveling to Prince Albert for the care of their child. We do hope to have that open to families in early January.”

Linsley added that the current RMH family room inside Victoria Hospital has been a vital resource for nearly a decade, offering comfort and support to families when they need it most.

As demand continues to grow, RMH is expanding its reach across Saskatchewan, with a third location in Regina announced in Feb of 2025.

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com

With files from paNOW’s Logan Lehmann and BattlefordsNOW’s Ryan Lambert

by Alyssa Rudolph

McHappy Day brings communities together in Saskatchewan

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