Mr. Speaker, today is McHappy day, a day when every purchase at McDonald's helps support families through the Ronald McDonald House charities. In Alberta, 65% of families live outside a city with a children's hospital, meaning that many families must travel far from home and their support networks to access specialized care. In these moments, Ronald McDonald Houses provide a home away from home to families right across Canada. Last year, from Fort McMurray—Cold Lake alone, 52 families benefited from Ronald McDonald House stays, each bringing a little more normalcy and a chance for kids to be kids and for families to connect.
When a child is seriously ill, families should not have to worry about where they will sleep or where their next meal is going to come from. Ronald McDonald House provides comfort, stability and a place to stay during some of life's most difficult moments.
I encourage all Canadians to take part in McHappy day and help make a meaningful difference for families in need.