Every McDonald’s restaurant in Australia participates in McHappy Day, but each restaurant will run things slightly differently. The same goes for Scout Groups - ultimately YOU are in the best position to know what will work best for your Group.

The most likely scenario for McHappy Day is that McDonald’s staff will give your Scouts a bucket and send them around the indoor/outdoor dining areas (2-3 Scouts per bucket) to ask customers for donations. However, there may be other options. For example, in the past Groups have conducted a car wash in a closed off area of the McDonald’s car park, set up stalls, information stands or activities outside the restaurant, helped out in the drive-through, assisted staff behind the counter, helped with face-painting, and so on.

Please don’t hesitate to discuss your thoughts with the restaurant McHappy Day Event Manager and work out your own tailor-made plan for the day.

Some things to consider...

• This year McDonald’s has asked all visiting Groups to organise roster shifts, limiting numbers to 10-20 people at one time. This is comply with Occupation Health & Safety standards within restaurants and to increase enjoyment of Groups. Groups can take half hour to one hour shifts depending on the number of people participating in each Group and the age of youth members.

• McDonald’s has suggested that Groups should try to participate between 10.30am or 11am and finish by 3pm as these are the most active times in restaurants. Please liaise

• Can you find a way to tie McHappy Day in with your regular Mob, Pack, Troop, Unit or Crew activities?

• Can you use McHappy Day as an opportunity for your members to work towards earning Participation/Award Scheme badges?

• Can you use McHappy Day as an opportunity to promote the benefits of Scouting to the wider community?

• Get those uniforms looking spiffy! Scouts Australia recommends that all members wear their uniforms while fundraising.

Don’t forget to take photos on the day to post on the Scouts Australia website! Forward them to your Branch Coordinator, or to Natasha Omar, National Manager, Marketing Communications via email or Drop Box to nat.marcomms@scouts.com.au.

with your nominated restaurant to confirm the best shift times, how you can be of most assistance, or things that the restaurant can do to make the day fun and appealing for the Scouts.

INFO AND IDEAS FOR GROUPS ATTENDING MCDONALD’S RESTAURANTS ON MCHAPPY DAY

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GROUP BRIEFING Welcome to the seventh year of Scouts Australia’s partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) to raise funds for seriously ill children and their families by participating in McHappy Day!

Last year the day raised over $3 million for RMHC, and we also had a record number of Scouts take part in raising funds. In 2012 a total of 148 Scout Groups and 4354 members participated in McHappy Day. This amount was almost double the participation numbers of previous years, making this the largest number of participants in the history of Scouts Australia’s participation in McHappy Day. Many Groups provided feedback about the experience and we are working with RMHC and McDonald's to make Scouts Australia's involvement in McHappy Day 2013 bigger and better than ever. The target set by RMHC for 2013 is $3.4 million, which they are hoping Scouts will assist them in reaching. This year we are once again asking Scout Groups

to assist young McDonald’s staff in collecting money for RMHC in their local McDonald’s on McHappy Day. However, if you don’t live near a McDonald’s, why not conduct your own fundraising event to raise money for RMHC! 100% of the money raised on McHappy Day goes to RMHC, so our members can feel good about helping seriously ill kids… and it’s also a great way for your Group to talk about Scouting with families in your local community. The programs of Ronald McDonald House Charities touch one in eight people in Australia. Each family has a different story but with one important thing in common – they all have seriously ill children and face traumatic times. To read some stories of how RMHC has touched people’s lives click this link: http://www.rmhc.org.au/our-stories

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BENEFITS OF McHAPPY DAY

Most of the Scout Groups who participated in McHappy Day 2012 found it a highly ‘worthwhile’ event. The Groups highlighted that the advantage of their participation in McHappy Day was that the event allowed them to: Demonstrate the Scout Promise and Law of Helping Other People Help Youth Members appreciate the importance of giving service to the

community, especially helping other kids Contribute back to RMHC, an organisation which had helped many of the

Youth Members and their friends when they were sick Work towards Award Scheme badges Create awareness of Scouting in the community with possible recruitment

opportunities Develop bonds between the Scout Group and the local McDonald’s store Create a fun and positive experience for those members involved. Encourage quieter members of the Scout Group to become more confident

and sociable. Some positive testimonials by some Scout Groups participating in McHappy Day 2012 were:

• 2nd Thornton (NSW): “The youth thought it was fantastic to help raise money for McHappy Day. The older kids had a great time and thought it was great to

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be able to help out. The younger kids had fun collecting money etc... All of the kids enjoyed being able to help out & raise money for McDonald's to help sick kids and their families.”

• 1st Echua (VIC): “Our youth members had a great time. For some youth that are shy they gained confidence by speaking to members of the community. Scouts used their Leadership skills in guiding the Cubs. The best part of the day was a free lunch!”

• Lambton-Waratah Scout Group (NSW): “Our Group enjoyed being involved with raising money for worthy causes and helping others.”

• 1st Figtree (NSW): “It is a worthwhile community service.” • 1st and 2nd Greensborough Group (VIC): “They enjoyed the event. They

thought the day was fun and they liked the idea of helping others through a fun activity.”

• 1st Ourimbah (NSW): “Yes we will do it again. I think it was good for the kids to feel they were doing something for the community. They enjoyed being part of it.”

• 1st Gawler (SA): “This is an annual event we do to help youth members become aware of others in our community less fortunate than themselves.”

• Katherine (NT): “We all viewed it as part of our Duty to Help Others. All were happy to take part and the youth had a good time.”

• Green Acre (NSW): “They all had a wonderful day and were very impressed after we were told of their results. As a beginner group we were very happy with the way the day went. We are looking forward to helping out again next year.”

• 1st Hoxton (NSW): “Members loved raising money and helping out in the McDonald’s restaurant. It was fun and found it worthwhile. Yes will participate next year.”

McHappy Day may also provide an opportunity for you to establish an ongoing relationship with the management of your local McDonald’s restaurant. This could result in employment opportunities, prize donations or community advertising for Scouts. The following link is interesting regarding a career path and training at McDonalds. http://mcdonalds.com.au/#/careers

McHappy Day Badges In return for Scouts Australia’s participation in fundraising for RMHC on McHappy Day, McDonald’s will provide all participants with a free badge in 2013.

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Certificates of Appreciation This year McDonald’s will also provide each participating Group with a Certificate of Appreciation for their fundraising efforts. These certificates will be sent to your Group along with your McHappy Day Badges.

Tray Mats and Community Notice Board Promotions In return for the fundraising efforts by the Groups, McDonald’s will be promoting Scouts Australia by sponsoring a tray mat featuring Scouts in all its 800 plus restaurants around Australia on 25 September or sooner depending on stock levels. The Tray Mats will remain in stores for 3-4 weeks so will serve as an excellent promotion tool and generate an awareness campaign for Scouts Australia. McDonald’s has around 90,000 staff, the majority of whom are in the Venturer – Rover age group, so not just parents and young customers will see the tray mats but thousands of Scout aged staff members in the restaurants. In addition, McDonald’s has suggested that Groups can talk to their nominated restaurant about promoting their activities and Group via the McDonald’s community notice boards available at each restaurant.

Scouts Australia Tray Mats in Stores from 25 September

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GET INVOLVED!

Contact your McHappy Day Branch Coordinator to register your interest in taking part. Please let your Coordinator know:

• Your Group Name • The name, phone number and email address of your Group’s nominated

contact person; • Nominate the top three McDonald’s restaurants your group would like to

attend OR the date and nature of the independent fundraising event you wish to conduct;

• Estimated total participation numbers of leaders and youth. Please register your involvement and let your Branch Coordinator know estimated participation numbers by 2 September 2013 along with the top three stores you wish to participate in. You will then be provided with your Event Manager details by around 16 September. After speaking with your Event Manager, final participation numbers need to be advised by 30 September so we can finalise your McHappy Day Badge order.

GROUPS FUNDRAISING IN McDONALD’s RESTAURANTS

By around 16 September, the Branch Coordinators will provide you with the name and contact number of McHappy Day Event Managers in your selected McDonald’s restaurant. Once you receive the contact details from your Branch Coordinator, you can give the Event Manager a call and start planning your Group’s involvement in McHappy Day.

Roster Shifts This year McDonald’s has provided some guidelines to make roster shifts easier for Groups. This is to comply with Occupation Health & Safety standards within the restaurants and to increase enjoyment of Groups.

• McDonald’s has asked that visiting Groups are limited to 10-20 people at one time (including youth members, Leaders and adult Helpers) per shift.

• Groups can take half hour to one hour shifts depending on the number of people participating in each Group and the age of the youth members

• McDonald’s has suggested that the main times for Group participation should be starting at either 10.30am or 11am and finishing by 3pm as these are the most active times in restaurants.

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• Please liaise with your nominated restaurant to confirm best shift times.

Please ensure this information is conveyed properly to all Groups. If Groups have queries and wish to discuss or negotiate their roster shifts they should contact the local Event Manager of their store.

How It Works

There a various ways customers can make a donation to RMHC on McHappy Day in restaurants including:

• Purchasing a Helping Hand for $1 • Purchase a Big Mac - with $2 from every Big Mac sale being donated directly to

RMHC • Making a donation in the McHappy Day collection buckets • Making a donation online at www.mchappyday.com.au

Getting Started

When you arrive at the restaurant you will be assigned a Crew ‘Buddy’ to offer help and support throughout your shift. So if you have any questions throughout the day, please don’t hesitate to ask your ‘Buddy’. It is important to note that McDonald’s is a fast-paced working environment and you will be working in a commercial cooking environment, which has workplace safety hazards. Potential hazards include all electrical equipment, hot surfaces, hot oil and slippery floors (despite regular cleaning). To ensure your safety and the safety of others in the restaurant, please follow the below guidelines:

• Wear enclosed shoes with non-slip soles; • Don’t touch any electrical equipment, food or containers unless you have been

specifically instructed to and/or trained to; • Please don’t leave your McDonald’s Crew ‘Buddy’ and follow their instructions at

all times; Should you have any questions feel free to approach your assigned Crew “Buddy”, who will be happy to help!

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What You May Be Asked to Do While On Your Shift You may be asked to carry out one or more of the following duties on the day:

1. Greet and talk to customers in the restaurant - meet and greet McDonald’s customers and ask for donations (you should not be behind the counter at any time and you will not be required to work the cash register or fill orders; Crew will do this)

2. Collect donations on McHappy Day using the collection buckets all fundraising efforts must only take place inside the restaurant

When Your Shift Is Over

At the agreed end of your shift, please see your Crew ‘Buddy’, the McHappy Day Event Manager or the Store Owner/Manager to let them know you are leaving.

GROUPS CONDUCTING INDEPENDENT FUNDRAISING EVENTS Scouts Australia encourages all Groups to work alongside their local McDonald’s while conducting fundraising. However where this is not possible, Groups are also able to conduct whatever sort of fundraising event they like. This year, Groups also have the opportunity to conduct independent fundraising activities to benefit a Ronald McDonald House near them if they wish. However participation in independent fundraising activities is at the discretion of the RMHC House in question. Scout Groups will need to contact the House before undertaking any activity. While conducting independent fundraising events Groups will need to do the following: • 2 September: Advise the National Coordinator of the date and nature of the

independent fundraising event they are planning to conduct by 2 September • 30 September: Finalise Scout participation numbers for McHappy Day and

organise for these numbers to be returned to you by 30 September so we can order badges

• 9 November: Make out a cheque to Ronald McDonald House Charities immediately after McHappy Day

• Organise for the cheques to be posted to you at your Branch Office, or directly to Natasha Omar, National Coordinator at Scouts Australia House, Level 1, 8 Help St, Chatswood NSW 2067.

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A list of RMHC Houses is detailed below:

NEW SOUTH WALES RMH NEWCASTLE Address: Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights (PO Box 268, New Lambton) NSW 2305 Phone: 02 4921 4733 RMH RANDWICK Address: 149-151 Barker Street, Randwick NSW 2031 Phone: 02 9382 1622 RMH WAGGA WAGGA Address: 300 Edward Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 (PO Box 5800) Phone: 02 6925 0122 RMH TAMWORTH Address: Dean Street, Locked Bag 9701, Tamworth NEMSC NSW 2348 Phone: 02 6767 8900 RMH WESTMEAD Address: Redbank Road, Westmead NSW 2145 Phone: 02 9845 0600 QUEENSLAND RMH TOWNSVILLE Address: 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas QLD 4814 Phone: 07 4775 5600

RMH SOUTH EAST QLD Address: 22 Garrick Terrace, Herston QLD 4006 Phone: 07 3257 0328 SOUTH AUSTRALIA RMH ADELAIDE Address: 271 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide SA 5006 Phone: 08 8267 692 VICTORIA RMH PARKVILLE Address: 22 Gatehouse Street, Parkville VIC 3052 Phone: 03 9345 6300 RMH MONASH Address: 33 Kanooka Grove, Clayton VIC 3168 Phone: 03 9562 6223 TASMANIA RMH HOBART Address: 62 Collins Street, Hobart TAS 7000 Phone: 03 6231 4877 WESTERN AUSTRALIA RMH PERTH Address: 20 York Street, Subiaco WA 6008 (PO Box 8066) Phone: 08 9346 9000

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your State Branch Coordinator.

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INFORMATION AND IDEAS FOR GROUPS ATTENDING McDONALD’S

RESTAURANTS ON McHAPPY DAY 2013 Every McDonald’s restaurant in Australia participates in McHappy Day, but each restaurant will run things slightly differently. The same goes for Scout Groups - ultimately YOU are in the best position to know what will work best for your Group. The most likely scenario for McHappy Day is that McDonald’s staff will give your Scouts a bucket and send them around the indoor/outdoor dining areas (2-3 Scouts per bucket) to ask customers for donations. However, there may be other options. For example, in the past Groups have conducted a car wash in a closed off area of the McDonald’s car park, set up stalls, information stands or activities outside the restaurant, helped out in the drive-through, assisted staff behind the counter, helped with face-painting, and so on.

Some Groups did the following activities in McHappy Day 2012:

• Berwick Central Scout Group (VIC): “The Cubs and Scouts had a great day. They enjoyed collecting money at the drive-thru and helping with the collections and competitions within the store. Despite the hiccups (which of course, the kids do not see), we would absolutely participate again next year.”

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• 2nd Thornton Scout Group (NSW): “The youth thought it was fantastic to help raise money for McHappy Day. The older kids had a great time and thought it was great to be able to help out behind the counter serve customers. The younger kids had fun standing in the restaurant and on drive thru collecting money etc...All of the kids enjoyed being able to help out & raise money for McDonald's to help sick kids and their families.”

• 1st Caroline Springs (VIC): “Youth were very excited about raising money and the staff were very attentive towards the youth. Their favourite part at one McDonalds was collected donations at the drive-thru and at another McDonalds Scouts were painting faces for gold coin donations.”

• 2nd Busselton Sea Scout Group (WA): “Our Youth members loved collecting money. They took around raffle books and sold raffle tickets, they carried collection buckets to ask for donations in the store and at the doors. Older Scouts collected at the end of the drive-thru area. Cubs and Joeys handed out Balloons, help organise colouring in activities. Scouts and adults helped with face painting. McDonald’s had an ambulance onsite to show children around in. Scouts helped escort children (including Cubs and Joeys) through the car park to the ambulance. Scouts/Cubs/Joeys all were ‘casualties’ for the ambulance with nearly all youth members ending up wearing bandages, slings etc. None were injured but it did look like McHappy Day was hazardous to Scout members! The Youth LOVED being ‘injured’.”

• Canterbury Vale (NSW): The youth members enjoyed selling the raffle tickets and arranging for sales of guesses for the guessing competition and passing the bucket round They enjoyed helping in all the activities that the staff provided for the day. We will be planning it as a District event again next year.

• Stafford Joey Scouts (QLD): “They loved helping, the enjoyed interacting with the public and having people buy their raffle tickets or guess the number of lollies in the jar. I enjoyed seeing my Joeys doing something new, that they were initially not quite comfortable with and then excelling at it. My Section would love to do it again next year, but we would ask to be at a bigger McDonald's.”

• Kincumber/Bensville Scout Group,(NSW): “The kids really enjoyed this once again, they walked around selling tickets for a lolly competition, handed out colouring competition sheets, got their faces painted, then helped painting others. We also took our advertising banner and leaflets, so used this day for advertising Scouts as well.”

• Edinburgh Park Scout Group (SA): “Youth members were enthusiastic and very proud to be helping raise money for sick children. They enjoyed collecting money, blowing up balloons and handing balloons out to children in store and sticking the hands on the windows.”

Please don’t hesitate to discuss your thoughts with the restaurant McHappy Day event manager and work out your own tailor-made plan for the day.

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Legal issues & safety

As the Scout Groups will be fundraising on McDonald’s property, they will be covered by McDonald’s insurance and Authority to Fundraise. McDonald’s has strict safety guidelines and each restaurant has a Safety Officer on duty at all times who ensures proper procedures are followed. In the majority of cases Scouts will be restricted to fundraising in the restaurants’ indoor/outdoor dining areas (thus avoiding hazards such as car parks and main roads).

Media

Local media may wish to interview/photograph Scout Groups that are getting involved in McHappy Day. If journalists approach you or a Group directly, please go about organising this in your usual way. If this occurs in a Restaurant please also notify the McHappy Day Event Manager. In some instances, journalists may approach McDonald’s to organise a Scout‐related McHappy Day story. McDonald’s will be using the agency Professional Public Relations (PPR) to coordinate media liaison. PPR will be briefed on the challenges of getting Scout Groups and Leaders together on short notice (due to school and work commitments, etc.) and will therefore advise journalists that short deadlines are unlikely to be accommodated. If a journalist wishes to proceed, PPR will liaise directly with the National Coordinator who will then put them in touch with you.

Questions?

Your Branch Coordinator will forward you any new information you may need as it becomes available. The National website will also have up-to-date information about McHappy Day. If you have any questions about McHappy Day, please contact your Branch Coordinator.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES

The focus of Ronald McDonald House Charities' (RMHC) work is to improve the health and well being of seriously ill children. RMHC carries this out by creating, finding, operating and supporting programs that help seriously ill children and their families while they receive medical treatment, and assist recovering children return to normal life.

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RMHC is best known for its Ronald McDonald House Program, which provides affordable accommodation for families of seriously ill children being treated at major hospitals. However, there is a lot more to RMHC than Houses! RMHC also provides:

• A Learning Program to help children recovering from a serious illness catch up on school work. This helps them to make an easier transition back to school when they are well.

• Family Retreats, which provide free holiday accommodation for families with a seriously ill child – at the time when they most need it and can least afford it.

• Family Rooms in major hospitals, where families with a seriously ill child can take some time out to relax.

• Cord Blood Banks, which collect and store life-saving umbilical cord blood used mainly to treat childhood cancers.

“Thank you for your commitment to assisting us to raise funds for RMHC this year,” said Malcolm Coutts, Chief Executive Officer of RMHC. “RMHC is very excited about this ongoing partnership. We know that you will have a lot of fun this year whilst also helping out those who need it most.” For more information on RMHC go to the RMHC Website on http://www.rmhc.org.au/ Thank you for taking part in McHappy Day 2013 to raise funds for seriously ill kids and their families!