McDonald’s Drinagh Retail Park, Sinnottstown, Co. Wexford, has been awarded the prestigious Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC Ireland) Golden Santa Hat Award for 2024…
This marks the third consecutive year that the franchisee and crew members of McDonald’s Wexford have earned the Golden Santa Hat Award. The Wexford restaurant sold an impressive 7,523 Santa Hats, earning them the Golden Santa Hat Award and securing the top spot for the highest sales in the campaign. This achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of the team in supporting RMHC Ireland and its vital mission of assisting families across Ireland.
The fundraising campaign saw an impressive 77,145 Santa Hats sold during the Christmas season—raising over €150,000 across all 95 McDonald’s restaurants in Ireland. Securing second place was Carlow Drive-thru with 4,724, while Carrickmines who is always a close second claimed third this year with 3,735.
All money raised through the campaign goes directly to RMHC Ireland, supporting its vital work to provide accommodation and a caring and supportive environment for families whose children are seriously ill and are hospitalised or undergoing medical treatment at Children’s Health Ireland, Crumlin.
John Byrne, Franchisee at McDonald’s Wexford told Wexford Weekly that:
“I am incredibly proud of the team here in Wexford Town and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our customers who generously supported the Santa Hat campaign. McDonald’s Ireland is honoured to partner with RMHC Ireland and help raise funds to support the invaluable services they provide to families. McDonald’s Wexford is thrilled to be a proud recipient of this award for a third consecutive year, and I couldn’t be more excited for our crew members, who are so passionate about supporting the vital work of RMHC Ireland,” he said.
Meanwhile, Joe Kenny, Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Ireland added:
“It is with immense gratitude that we celebrate the remarkable success of the 2024 RMHC Santa Hat Campaign, which not only brought thousands of smiles this past Christmas but also raised over €150,000 to provide comfort and support to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin.
This year is especially significant for RMHC Ireland as we prepare to open our new 52-bedroom Ronald McDonald House later in 2025, marking a major milestone in our mission to provide even greater support to families in need. Together, we continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of those who need it most.”
Also in attendance at the Golden Santa Hat presentation were the Nash family from Clonard Village, Wexford. Daisy Nash was born during COVID, but shortly after birth, doctors recognised she faced serious health challenges. She was transferred to Temple Street and then to Crumlin, where she underwent two lifesaving surgeries within her first week.
Spending a total of seven weeks in the hospital, Daisy’s family found immense relief from the support provided by Ronald McDonald House, which provided accommodation, meals and a support system for Daisy’s family including her parents Des & Lucy and brother Cillian (aged 10). The kindness of the staff and volunteers, along with the comfort of having essential resources, allowed her parents to focus entirely on Daisy’s recovery—something they believe played a crucial role in recovery.
Des Nash, Daisy’s Dad, added:
“The Ronald McDonald House was a lifeline for our family during an incredibly difficult time. Being close to Daisy while she recovered, having a place to rest, eat, and connect with other parents going through similar experiences made an enormous difference. We didn’t have to worry about where to stay or how to manage – it allowed us to focus entirely on supporting Daisy. The kindness of the staff and volunteers was incredible, and we’ll be forever grateful for the support we received.”
The RMHC Ireland Golden Santa Hat Award was first introduced in 2019 to recognise the fundraising efforts of McDonald’s franchisees and crew members across Ireland for the charity initiative. Building on this tradition, the Golden Santa Hat Pin Award was launched in 2023 to celebrate outstanding team members who go above and beyond during the Santa Hat Campaign. McDonald’s Business Managers nominate one exceptional individual in their area who has demonstrated exceptional effort, enthusiasm, and commitment, honouring their dedication with this award.
RMHC Ireland provides support to families 365 days a year, with the average stay in the house for a family in 2024 being 35 nights. Since opening its doors in 2004, 5,185 families have benefitted from home-cooked meals, private bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and laundry facilities at Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin.
To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland and the families they support, visit https://rmhc.ie/
Wexford Weekly
This article was published by a member of the Wexford Weekly team.
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