11/03/2005 - Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Named Global Ambassador to McDonald's World Children's Day Campaign

McDonald's Press Release 11/03/2005

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Named Global Ambassador to McDonald's World Children's Day Campaign

Global Event to Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® and Other Children’s Organizations

Oak Brook, Ill. (November 3, 2005) – Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has been named a global ambassador for World Children’s Day at McDonald’s, a program which raises funds and awareness for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC®) and other children’s organizations.

Since its inception in 2002, World Children’s Day has raised $50 million for children’s causes worldwide. This year alone, McDonald’s has a goal to raise an additional $50 million for RMHC and children’s causes in communities worldwide in celebration of its 50th anniversary.

“Nothing is more important than helping the children of the world,” said The Duchess of York. “Through my role as global Ambassador for World Children’s Day, I can represent the voice of the children and bring greater attention to critical issues they face today.”

In her capacity as a Global Ambassador for World children’s Day, The Duchess of York will travel to Poland, Mexico, Hong Kong and the United States to actively support and promote World Children’s Day fundraising efforts in those markets.

“I am pleased to have The Duchess of York join the World Children’s Day team. As someone who is universally recognized as a good mother and having immense empathy with children, I am confident The Duchess will help us have an even greater impact during World Children’s Day activities and celebrations,” said Ken Barun, President and CEO, RMHC.

Throughout the month of November, McDonald’s restaurants in more than 100 countries invite consumers to participate in World Children’s Day’s fundraising efforts. Programs vary by country, but most restaurants will contribute a portion of select product sales and offer a US$1 Give A Hand for customers to sign and display in-store. In the U.S. and Canada, the purchase of a Give A Hand will also include a free download of “Stand Up for Love (2005 World Children’s Day anthem)” sung by Destiny’s Child.

Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Its programs are grassroots-driven to enable the charity to offer help where children need it most - right in their own communities. RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children's lives through its global network of local Chapters in nearly 50 countries and its three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room™ and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile™. RMHC and its global network of local Chapters have awarded more than $410 million in grants and program services to children's programs around the world. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org.

McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 30,000 restaurants serving nearly 50 million people in more than 100 countries each day. Approximately 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women. For nutritional information, please visit www.mcdonalds.com.