Together with its independent franchisees, McDonald’s Canada finds big and small ways to support the communities in which it operates. We see Canadians at their very best, and we want to make a meaningful difference in people’s hearts and minds by showing that small, heartfelt gestures can have a big impact.

That’s why, this December, the McDonald’s Canada ‘Merry Moments’ program is celebrating acts of kindness and generosity from across the country; sharing inspiring stories from McDonald’s franchisees, their crew and guests. We spoke with restaurant teams from coast to coast to coast and received an abundance of remarkable stories showing Canadians doing good in their own special ways.

They include that of Franchisee Stephanie Jones and her Guest Experience & Operations Supervisor, Brittany Reid, who held a toy drive for the RMHC Atlantic Ronald McDonald House in Halifax, Nova Scotia, putting up posters and accepting toy donations at their local McDonald’s restaurant in Truro.

In Picton, Ontario, the local McDonald’s restaurant provided cookies and coffee to H.J. McFarland Memorial Home recreation team to set up a “DIY McDonald’s Drive-Thru” experience for residents to enjoy their McDonald’s favourites from the comfort of home.

In Sarnia, Ontario, crew member Karen S. made 400 ribbons for guests to mark Suicide Prevention Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Meanwhile, Franchisee Frank Magno, daughter Sam, and their Brampton and Mississauga crew held a Helping Hearts fundraiser, selling paper hearts and asking for donations, raising close to $50,000 for RMHC Toronto. And in Quebec, Franchisee Pierre Brunet’s restaurants partnered with organization Accueil Bonneau in Montreal’s East End to provide basic necessities, food and shelter to residents in need.

The incredible generosity of Canadians never ceases to amaze us. At McDonald’s Canada, we want to make sure every good deed gets the attention it deserves. These ‘Merry Moments’ – simple acts of everyday kindness – prove that doing good feels good. We’ve never been more inspired to pay it forward. This year, we’re making a 400,000-meal donation to Food Banks Canada, to help thousands of Canadians living with food insecurity fill their plates over the holidays and beyond.

To every member of the wider ‘McFamily’ who stepped up and gave back to their community this year, we say: Thank you! We hope the ‘Merry Moments’ program inspires you keep doing good throughout the coming new year, and beyond.

‘Merry Moments’ launches December 17 on social media and will run through January. Follow along on @mcdonaldscanada / @mcdocanada using #MerryMoments.