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McDonald’s donates $1K to Red Cross
McDonald’s Middle Road staff and representative of the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter pose for a photo after check donation of $1,000 Wednesday.
(KIMBERLY BAUTISTA)
McDonald’s Guam/Saipan donated $1,000 to the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter last Wednesday to support the humanitarian organization’s biggest fundraiser, the American Red Cross Walkathon, which takes place this year on April 13, 2019.
This year is the 33rd anniversary of the walkathon.
According to Marcia Ayuyu, McDonald’s Guam/Saipan managing director, the local Red Cross chapter holds a special place in her and her family’s hearts because the chapter is always there to help those in need.
“When I hear Red Cross, I like to be there. I like to help because these guys are out there helping the people in need in our community. …We just really want to help the Red Cross because, when in time of need, they’re always there for the people—typhoon, fire, anything—and we just want to be there for them,” she said.
Ayuyu has witnessed first-hand the kind of immediate help that the chapter offers those who are struck by disasters. “I have friends who lost their homes, their belongings, and Red Cross really stepped up and helped them,” she said.
The Ayuyus, McDonald’s Guam/Saipan owners, have been helping out the chapter’s fundraiser for many years
According John Hirsch, American Red Cross-NMI Chapter executive director, McDonald’s is one of the chapter’s most consistent supporters.
“Whether it’s our blue-sky event like our walkathons or gray-sky events like responding to Super Typhoon Yutu, McDonald’s has always been there for us in terms of making donations. This is very important to us because, without the kindness of our corporate donors, we just wouldn’t be able to do the work that we do. We’re really grateful to the Ayuyu family for providing their support,” he said.
The Red Cross walkathon is held annually to raise funds for the chapter’s mission.
“We’re trying to raise $70,000. The lion’s share of those donations is going to be from our walkers,” Hirsch said.
The 33rd Annual American Red Cross-NMI Chapter Walkathon will be this Saturday starting at the Guma Sakman area in Susupe.
