McHappy fundraiser a hit

COFFS Harbour City councillor Kerry Hines has a newfound respect for the youthful staff of McDonald's after taking part in McHappy Day fundraising.

Coffs Coast Advocate general manager Brent Rees manhandles the chip baskets at McDonalds Coffs Harbour South. Picture: Leigh Jensen

COFFS Harbour City councillor Kerry Hines has a newfound respect for the youthful staff of McDonald's after taking part in McHappy Day fundraising at McDonald's Coffs Harbour South on Saturday.

Having its 20th anniversary this year, McHappy Day raises money for Ronald McDonald House Charities, with donations and a percentage of sales on the day going to help seriously ill children and their families.

High-profile locals are invited to join staff on the day.

"If what I saw there yesterday was anything like an ordinary busy day I take my hat off to them; they should get more money," Cr Hines said.

"We were flat-out busy but it was a lot of fun; there were people there from the fire station and coastal patrol. Linda Jones was on the window.

"Our involvement was supposed to be for an hour but because it was so busy I ended up working for two-and-a-half hours. I hope I was giving a hand, not getting in the way.

"I have a son who works there and I was thankful he was not working on Saturday."

Coffs Coast Advocate general manager Brent Rees said he had served "about 2000 chicken nuggets" by the time he finished his stint in the kitchen making hamburgers and boxing up nuggets.

"They kids are an eye opener," he said.

"They're brilliant; they fly though it at a million miles an hour.

"People were being pretty generous on the day, donating as well, not just buying Big Macs.

"It is a very good charity."

Among those doing his bit for the cause was Coffs Coast Advocate journalist Brad Greenshields who dropped in for a burger.

"He got extra attention," said his boss.

Originally published as McHappy fundraiser a hit