Shamrock Shake Season Sparks Donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities

The Shamrock Shake Fundraiser Runs Through Wednesday, Mar. 17, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening now through Wednesday, Mar. 17, you’re encouraged to treat yourself to a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake to help those in need.

The annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser donates 25 cents per sale of each shake to help Ronald McDonald House Charities across the Midwest.

Since 2014, more than $600,000 has been raised, which goes directly back into multiple Ronald McDonald House locations.

The Ronald McDonald House® is a home-away-from-home for families who must travel hundreds or more miles to seek medical treatment for their kids.

The House keeps families close to the medical care and support they need during a child’s serious illness or injury.

Families stay for free and receive daily, freshly prepared, home-cooked meals, have access to free laundry services, children’s activities and more.

A Ronald McDonald House recently opened in Duluth.

The RMH-Northland in Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center hosted a grand opening Feb. 10. It includes five private guest rooms, a main kitchen, coffee bar, laundry facilities, and common areas with quiet spaces.

Background of the Shamrock Shake

In the early 1970s, Philadelphia Eagles football player Fred Hill and his wife, Fran, had a five-year-old daughter, Kim, who was diagnosed with leukemia.

When the Hills brought Kim to the hospital, they met other families and realized that those from outside of the Philadelphia area had to spend their money staying in hotels while their children were hospitalized.

The Hills spoke with doctors and administrators, and eventually Philadelphia McDonald’s owner/operators learned of the idea to build a facility for families.

The operators were happy to help finance the project—and knew that proceeds from Shamrock Shake sales would raise significant funds.

That’s how the very first Ronald McDonald House was built—and named, when it opened in 1974.

Click here for more information on the RMH-Northland.