OAK BROOK, Illinois - On November 20, 2002, a visit to McDonald's will bring extra value to the lives of millions of children in need around the world. That's the day participating McDonald's restaurants in more than 100 countries will unite together for a history-making fundraising initiative called World Children's Day, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) and important local children's causes.

While specific fundraising programs vary by country, McDonald's Restaurants share a single goal: to join with customers in a global effort that will make a difference for children in their communities and around the world.

"The value of World Children's Day goes far beyond the millions of dollars that will be raised to help children," said McDonald's Chairman and CEO Jack Greenberg. "It brings the world's attention to the ever increasing needs of children, and the role we must all play in affecting positive change."

Fundraising Beneficiaries

Funds raised on World Children's Day at McDonald's will be used to help children throughout the world in a multitude of ways. Plans include:

-Aid for an estimated 21 orphanages in countries such as Russia, Estonia and Kuwait
-Assistance for close to 70 children's hospitals in Egypt, Croatia, El Salvador, Singapore, the U.S. and others
-Distribution of nearly 300,000 dictionaries to children in rural areas of China
-Support for 16 new Ronald McDonald Houses in: France (6), Norway (1), Romania (1), Austria (1), Ireland (1), Portugal (1), Honduras (1), Netherlands (3), Puerto Rico (1)
-Supply of some 50,000 meals for needy children in Israel
-Opening of the first Ronald McDonald House Charities Daycare Center in the Philippines
-Assistance for approximately 200 children's health organizations around the world, in such areas as cancer and leukemia, mental disabilities, physical handicaps and child abuse

Contributions to support the efforts of local Ronald McDonald House Charities Chapters across the United States and in 44 countries worldwide, including ongoing operations of the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room®, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile™ and scholarship programs

"World Children's Day represents the most expansive single-day fundraising event in McDonald's history, probably any company's history," said Ken Barun, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities. "It will enable our Charity to continue efforts to help improve the health and well being of children who desperately need this assistance right now."

A number of prominent celebrities are supporting the World Children's Day effort including international superstar Celine Dion, Latin singing sensation Enrique Iglesias, solo artist and pop idol Nick Carter, formerly of the Backstreet Boys, triple-platinum phenomenon Josh Groban, gospel singer Yolanda Adams, actor Justin Berfield from FOX-TV's Emmy-award winning "Malcolm in the Middle," and Grammy-award winning composer, producer and writer, David Foster, who with his wife, Linda Thompson, co-wrote a special song in honor of World Children's Day titled "Aren't They All Our Children."

Fundraising Activities

World Children's Day activities will vary by country and market. Plans include:

-Sunrise celebration at the Auckland Ronald McDonald House in New Zealand, the first country to officially celebrate World Children's -Day; funds raised will benefit RMHC and some 50-plus local children's organizations.
-Sale of commemorative postcards, designed by celebrity artist Leon Lai, with proceeds to RMHC and UNICEF in Hong Kong, along with donations on "set" meals (Extra Value Meals and Happy Meals)
-Fundraising efforts, including employee contributions, to benefit a children's cancer hospital in Cairo, Egypt
-Day-long children's festival and concert in Mexico City; tickets through Big Mac® product purchase with proceeds to benefit RMHC and the Government Institution for Children.
-Fundraising for orphanages and meals for homeless children throughout Russia
-Donation of $1 from the sale of each Big Mac and Egg McMuffin® sandwich and Extra Value Meal® as well as each Happy Meal® and Mighty Kids Meal® to RMHC in the U.S. In addition, a special Ronald McDonald Happy Meal toy will be available on this day only.

McDonald's is the world's leading foodservice retailer, with more than 30,000 restaurants serving over 46 million people each day in 121 countries. Approximately 80 percent of McDonald's U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent local businessmen and women. World Children's Day is McDonald's first-ever simultaneous global fundraiser in more than 100 countries benefiting children around the world.

Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit, 501(c)3, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children through its network of 174 local Chapters currently serving in 44 countries. Named one of America's Top 100 Charities by Worth magazine in 2001 and 2002, the Charity makes grants to not for-profit organizations and provides support to Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles worldwide. To date, Ronald McDonald House Charities' national body and global network of local Chapters have awarded more than $340 million in grants to children's programs.

Sample World Children's Day™ at McDonald's® Events from Around the World (East To West)

For more information on World Children's Day, visit www.mcdonalds.com.

McDonald's Corporation

McDonald's Corporation

McDonald’s is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer with nearly 40,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 95% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners.

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