McHappy Day® 2026 is on Saturday 14 November, but you don’t need to wait until then to get involved. The McHappy Day campaign is already under way and runs from 14 October to 14 November in McDonald’s restaurants across Australia.
It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for Ronald McDonald House Australia®, and every McHappy Day purchase, round-up and donation helps families with ill or injured children stay close to the care their child needs.
Whether you’ve got two dollars or 50 to give, there’s a way to take part. Here are six of the easiest, plus a look at where your money goes. For the key dates and details in one place, visit our McHappy Day page.
Every dollar raised on McHappy Day helps families stay close to their child
When a child is ill or injured, treatment can mean long stays in hospital, often far from home. Parents shouldn’t have to choose between being by their child’s bedside and keeping the rest of the family together.
That’s where the money from McHappy Day comes in. Funds raised go to Ronald McDonald House Australia and help run our Programs across the country, including:
- Ronald McDonald Houses, where families can stay together close to the hospital.
- Ronald McDonald Family Rooms®, quiet spaces inside hospitals where families can rest and recharge.
- Family Retreats, where families can spend much-needed time together.
- Hospitality Carts, bringing comfort and care to families in hospital.
- The Learning Program, helping children keep up with school while they’re receiving treatment.
Together, these Programs support more than 89,000 families every year.
For a family facing weeks or months of treatment, having somewhere to stay near the hospital removes one of the biggest worries.
6 ways to support McHappy Day 2026
You can support McHappy Day in restaurant, in the app or online. Most options are available throughout the campaign, while the Big Mac donation is for the day itself.
1. Buy a Big Mac on Saturday 14 November
On McHappy Day, $2 from every Big Mac® sold, on its own or in a meal, is donated to Ronald McDonald House Australia. A common question is whether Big Macs are $2 on McHappy Day. They aren’t – the burger stays at its usual price, and $2 from each one goes to the charity.
2. Step out in McHappy Day socks
This year’s limited-edition Silly Socks are $6.50 a pair. They’re only sold at McDonald’s restaurants, not online, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Pick up a pair early if you’d like to wear them on the day. They make an easy gift too, and a fun way for a whole family or office to show their support together.
3. Grab a Cool Cap
Prefer to wear your support on your head? Cool Caps are $9.95 and, like the socks, are available in restaurant while stocks last.
4. Add a Helping Hand
A Helping Hand is a quick way to give at the counter. Choose $2, $10 or $50 and add it to your order. It takes seconds, and every one adds up when customers across the country do the same.
5. Round up your order
If you’re ordering anyway, you can round up your total or donate at the kiosk or through the MyMacca’s app. Even a 600ml Cool Ridge water helps, with 10c from every bottle donated.
6. Donate online
Can’t get to a restaurant? You can donate to McHappy Day online from anywhere in Australia. Online donations are tax-deductible, and it’s the simplest option if you’d like to give a larger amount.
McHappy Day has raised more than $83 million since 1991
The first McHappy Day was held in 1991. Since then, Australians have raised more than $83 million for Ronald McDonald House Australia.
The event is run by McDonald’s Australia, and it’s one part of a partnership that has lasted more than 40 years. McDonald’s crew, franchisees and suppliers back the campaign every year, alongside the customers who buy socks, caps and burgers. For many Australians it has become a fixture on the calendar, whether that’s a family picking up matching Silly Socks or a regular adding a Helping Hand to their morning coffee.
The need hasn’t slowed down. Every year, more families face the stress of a child in hospital, and demand for our Programs keeps growing. That’s why each McHappy Day still counts.
Mark Saturday 14 November in your calendar
McHappy Day 2026 is Saturday 14 November, and the campaign runs until then. Silly Socks, Cool Caps and Helping Hands are on sale now at participating restaurants, so there’s still time to grab yours. Find a participating restaurant near you, or if you’d rather give from home, make a donation online.
If you can, share this post with friends, family or your workplace. The more people who know McHappy Day 2026 is coming up, the more families can be supported. However you choose to take part, you’ll be helping a family stay together when it matters most. Thank you for your support.