An impressive 690,000 Helping Hands were sold in 2013 and this year, and organisers are hoping to beat the overall McHappy Day fund-raising record to raise over $3 million in total on the day, so RMHC can continue to provide programs and services to support seriously ill children and their families.

Mount Isa residents have their last chance to show their support for RMHC by buying, signing and displaying a Helping Hand at the city’s restaurant for just $1 until tomorrow.

McDonald’s Mount Isa licensee Cristina Davis said the local community always greatly supported the cause.

“Helping Hands give members of the community the opportunity to show their support for McHappy Day and make a real difference to the lives of seriously ill children and their families,” she said. 

“We have been delighted with the number of sales of Helping Hands in previous years, and with the help from the local community, we hope to see more hands displayed in our restaurant.”

 All proceeds from Helping Hands sales are donated directly to RMHC to support programs such as the Ronald McDonald Family Room program, which provides a haven for families within hospitals to give them a break from the stress of many hours spent by their child’s bedside.

Corporate Helping Hands will also be available for businesses to buy in $10 and $50 increments.

Mount Isa businesses will be able to post a Helping Hand in their local restaurant and will also receive another to display in their office.

What your donation means:

■$130: Could fund one nights’ accommodation for a family at a Ronald McDonald House.

■$125: Could cover the cost of one educational tuition session for one child through the Ronald McDonald Learning Program.

■$50: Could help keep one Ronald McDonald Family Room open each day.