Buy a pair of kid's socks to help sick children in need

SINGAPORE - Over the next weeks, McDonald's Singapore will be initiating a series of fundraising activities in support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Singapore, to help continue to bring love to sick and hospitalised children. The series of activities are held in conjunction with a global movement by McDonald's restaurants around the world to celebrate the charity's 40 years of helping children.

RMHC was incepted in Singapore in 1989 and has since helped over 900 needy and sick children with their medical, surgical, and rehabilitative treatment costs, with grants amounting to over $5 million.

Since January 2013, the charity has also provided a "home-away-from- home" at National University Hospital (NUH). The facility is available at no charge for families to be able to stay close to their hospitalised child. It has served over 170 families whose children were hospitalised primarily in intensive care receiving treatment for cancer, trauma or undergoing organ transplants.

Associate Professor Daniel Goh, Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Paediatrics, NUH and Board member of the RMHC Singapore said: "Love and support of the family is as powerful as the strongest medicine - this is especially so when a child is sick. As a child (and family) journeys through an illness, the presence of the family and loved ones is the most reassuring factor in the environment of stress, uncertainty and even pain. Often only the immediate caregiver is able to comfort a crying child, soothe the discomfort or allay the fears; the warmth of a parent's hug, the touch of the hand or perhaps even the sound of the voice can help comfort the child more than any analgesic can do alone."

McDonald's Singapore has planned a number of activities in celebration of RMHC's 40th Anniversary, and is calling for the community to join them in the following ways:

1) Make a Donation and Show Your Stripes

From October 15 to 28, you can make a donation to the charity by purchasing a pair of red and white striped socks via Groupon. Members of the public can choose to purchase this at $10, $20 or $50.

In appreciation of each purchase, McDonald's will include a free Strawberry Sundae treat that can be redeemed at any McDonald's restaurant in Singapore.

2) Share Your Stripes and raise awareness through #forRMHC and #RMHCSG

Help the charity spread the word by dressing in red and white stripes, donning on the socks, or creating your own red-and-white themed images. Share these images along with your well wishes for these families on Instagram with #forRMHC and #RMHCSG.

3) Join McHappy Day 2014 on November 16

RMHC's 40th McHappy Day will see some 600 volunteers participating in the McHappy Day Walk and Sale across Singapore, selling the signature red and white striped socks. Volunteers comprise corporate staff and restaurant crew from McDonald's Singapore and other friends of RMHC Singapore.

Families with young children can also join in the fun at the #forRMHC Party at Tampines Mall from 1pm to 5pm. Members of the public can participate at the various booths that offer balloon sculpting, face painting for children, games and more. Ronald will also make an appearance for photo taking with the children.