Local franchisees are celebrating the opening of a new McDonald's location in Sarnia by supporting a mental health initiative.
Sarnia’s newest McDonald's restaurant, located in the area of Confederation Street and Vanier Road, officially opened on Friday. Franchisees Colleen and Peter Buckley will mark the occasion by donating $1 for every McMuffin sandwich sold, including combos, to ACCESS Open Minds Youth Centre, up until $10,000 is raised.
Colleen said they wanted to support the mental health initiative, especially given current circumstances.
"It's very appropriate now with what we've been going through the last couple of years," said Colleen. "We employ a great deal of youth so we wanted to expand our relationship and help the youth in our community."
The Buckleys are no stranger to supporting community initiatives. In addition to donating $10,000 in 2021 to support Bluewater Health, the two have raised over $16,000 for personal protective equipment, and have continuously supported Ronald McDonald House Charities and other local organizations.
"Peter and I became franchise owner/ operators 20 years ago, our Exmouth Street location just celebrated in December so our community-mindedness has started from then [on]," said Colleen.
She said they're happy to support the community and are excited to open their new location.
"We're looking forward to opening and employing 75 new people in our community."
The restaurant on Confederation Street is the Buckley's fifth McDonald's location in Sarnia alone.
ACCESS Open Minds will provide mental health services for youth and young adults within the community. The initiative is coordinated through the Bluewater Health Foundation as part of a partnership between Bluewater Health, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and St. Clair Child and Youth.
Construction of the facility is underway at the corner of Front Street and Lochiel Street, and is expected to open this summer.