McDonald's locations in Sarnia and Petrolia are once again helping to ensure local children have nourishing snacks to start the school year.
The 21st annual Loonies for Lunches fundraiser in support of The Inn of the Good Shepherd will kick off on Monday, August 31 and will run through to Sunday, September 13.
Executive Director Jack Christine said customers who visit McDonald's locations at Confederation Street, London Road, Exmouth Street, and Christina Street, or the Petrolia site, can opt to donate a dollar (or more) at the drive-thru or counter.
Money raised will go toward The Inn's school lunch program, which will provide items such as juice boxes, granola bars, fruit cups, and healthy snacks.
“It is a privilege to continue to support this wonderful community tradition,” said McDonald’s Restaurants of Sarnia and Petrolia Owner/Operator Colleen Buckley in a media release. “Any donation is greatly appreciated and makes a difference."
In total, Loonies for Lunches has raised over $135,000. Last year, $6,109 was raised.
"New this year, we actually have a mascot day. On Friday, September 4, tINNy and Grimace will be at the Confederation Street drive-thru from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and at London Road from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. I think there's a rumour there's going to be a dance-off as well," laughed Christine. "It's possible."
The Inn helps about 900 children every month through the food bank.
Christine said while demand at the food bank has remained steady, they've noticed a recent spike at the soup kitchen.
"We were averaging about 100 meals per day and we have noticed that this has gone up to an average of probably 120 per day now. [On August 23,] we served over 155 lunches, which is unprecedented. We've never seen numbers like that before," Christine said. "For the food bank, the numbers are maintaining the level previously but our soup kitchen numbers, which include more children coming in as well, have increased."
Donations for Loonies for Lunches can also be made online through The Inn's website.
