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McDonald’s Canada launches Fries For Good initiative for COVID-19 relief

McDonald’s Canada announced Fries For Good, its nationwide initiative to support COVID-19 relief efforts and other recent Canadian tragedies.

From May 8 to 21, 2020, McDonald’s Canada will donate a portion of the proceeds from all fries sold in Canada to the Canadian Red Cross, supporting the Canadian Emergencies and COVID-19 Response Fund, the Nova Scotia Stronger Together Fund, and disaster response and preparedness work across Canada.

McDonald’s Canada says money raised as part of the Fries For Good initiative will go directly to the Canadian Red Cross, who will then divide the proceeds raised among these various funds, ensuring support for individuals and families across the country who need it most. Support will be directed to those affected by the pandemic, as well as those impacted by recent devastating events, including the Nova Scotia mass shooting, and other disaster preparedness and response efforts in communities across Canada.

“With several recent tragedies adding to the hardships already created by the current global pandemic, we wanted to find a way to rally Canadians and support our communities that need it the most right now,” said John Betts, president and CEO of McDonald’s Canada, in a released statement. “The Fries For Good initiative provides a simple and easy way for all Canadians to contribute to relief efforts coast-to-coast.”

Betts also noted that the initiative will also display support for Canadian farmers.

“Our agriculture partners have been hit hard by COVID-19, and we are continually looking for ways to support them as we navigate the new and unforeseen challenges of this pandemic,” continued Betts. “Canadian farmers are a driving force in our business and we hope Canadians’ love for our fries will allow us to not only make a significant donation to the Canadian Red Cross, but also reinforce our support for Canadian potato farmers while making a positive impact on their business.”

“We hope Canadians’ love for our fries will allow us to not only make a significant donation to the Canadian Red Cross, but also reinforce our support for Canadian potato farmers while making a positive impact on their business.”

“The Canadian Red Cross is pleased that McDonald’s Canada is providing Canadians with another way to help support people during this unprecedented time of need,” said Conrad Sauvé, president and CEO for Canadian Red Cross, in a statement.

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, McDonald’s Canada has donated more than 250,000 pounds of food to local food banks and other charities, and supplied more than one million free coffees and teas to frontline healthcare and emergency service workers.