25 cents from every Shamrock Shake sold from Feb. 10-March 23 will go toward the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
McDonald’s has gone big on nostalgia the past few years, bringing everything back from the Hamburglar to CosMc to Collectible Cups. Now the chain is bringing back a McDonaldland character who hasn’t been spotted in about 40 years – Uncle O’Grimacey, Grimace’s Irish Uncle.
Uncle O’Grimacey’s visit coincides with the return of McDonald’s signature Shamrock Shake. From Feb. 10 through March 23, 25 cents from every Shamrock Shake purchased at participating restaurants will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides overnight stays for families to be with their children who are ill or injured. McDonald’s goal is to raise $5 million through the campaign, which would provide 50,000 overnight stays for families.
“Our fans eagerly await the Shamrock Shake each year. We are thrilled that proceeds from this minty-flavored treat will aid RMHC in keeping families together," second-generation franchisee Joy Silmon said in a statement. "Family is a core value at McDonald's, and we live this every day. Together, with our crew, customers, and iconic McDonaldland character, Uncle O'Grimacey, we're helping RMHC make families feel at home, even when they can't be.”
McDonald’s has also launched Uncle O’Grimacey merchandise, including t-shirts, baseball hats, and crewnecks, available at goldearchesunlimited.com. The chain will make additional donations to RMHC from merchandise purchases.
“Our long-standing tradition of the Shamrock Shake is a testament to the joy we bring to our customers. This year, we are getting back to the first fundraiser that started our incredible partnership with RMHC," chief impact officer Michael Gonda said in a statement. "This Shamrock Shake Season, with a little extra cheer from the Grimace family, we’re reminded that the most precious gift is being close to those you love.”
The first Ronald McDonald House opened more than 50 years ago, supported by sales from the then-new Shamrock Shake. Since, the company, its franchisees, and its customers have donated more than $1 billion to RMHC. The Shamrock Shake was first created by a McDonald’s owner/operator in Connecticut in 1967. In 1970, the shake expanded to several restaurants. It wasn’t available nationwide, however, until 2012. In 2017, McDonald’s introduced other varieties, such as the Chocolate Shamrock Shake, according to McDonald’s archivist Mike Bullington.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
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