LOS ANGELES (McDonald's PR) - Adding superstar power to McDonald's unprecedented worldwide fundraising campaign for children, World Children's Day,
Destiny's Child today debuted their new single, "Stand Up For Love (2005 World Children's Day Anthem)". The international recording stars appeared live at a Ronald McDonald House in Los Angeles to sing their new hit for children and parents staying at the home-away-from-home for critically ill children and their families.
Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York; actor and international Latin singer
Carlos Ponce; singing sensation Ciara; American Idol's Randy Jackson, Grammy winning producer
David Foster, and TLC's "Trading Spaces" designer Doug Wilson joined the singers to show their support for World Children's Day.
"McDonald's cares passionately about children. It is a core value at McDonald's. We are raising funds and supporting programs to improve the health and well being of children -- that is what World Children's Day at McDonald's is all about. We are mobilizing every element of our brand around the world to get the job done," said Mike Roberts, McDonald's President and Chief Operating Officer.
World Children's Day at McDonald's is a global program in more than 100 countries taking place throughout the month of November. Since its inception in 2002, it has raised more than $50 million for children's causes. This year, McDonald's Corporation has a goal to raise $50 million for children in celebration of its 50th anniversary and World Children's Day will contribute greatly to this commitment.
"The needs of children are so great. Our mission at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to help improve the well being of children all over the world. Funds raised through World Children's Day will help provide everything from hearing aids and dental care to early cancer detection and treatment. Celebrities are joining McDonald's worldwide team of dedicated employees, restaurant owners, suppliers and customers to touch the lives of children," said Ken Barun, RMHC President and Chief Executive Officer.
World Children's Day Global Ambassadors
Destiny's Child and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, have been named global ambassadors for World Children's Day 2005. Destiny's Child donated a portion of the proceeds from all tickets sold during their recent North American tour to RMHC and visited children in Ronald McDonald Houses around the world during their global tour.
"The kids we've met have no idea how much they've given us. We wanted to record the World Children's Day anthem for them, in hopes that people would hear their voice through ours," said Beyonce Knowles, Destiny's Child lead singer.
The Duchess of York lent support to Poland's World Children's Day efforts last week. She also visited children at a Ronald McDonald House in Mexico City to support Mexico's efforts and will join McDonald's CEO, Jim Skinner, in Hong Kong for a concert and gala dinner later this month.
"I am awed by the outpouring of support for these children," said the Duchess of York. "I've seen people all around the globe reaching out to make children's lives better and futures brighter."
World Children's Day Around the Globe-Background
In celebration of World Children's Day, countries raise funds in various ways including celebrity concerts, gala dinners, in-restaurant activities and a portion of product sales. In most countries where McDonald's does business, customers will be offered the chance to purchase a life-size paper hand, a Give A Hand, for $1 USD which can be signed and posted in the restaurant to show support.
In the U.S. and Canada, customers who purchase a Give A Hand at McDonald's through November 20 will receive a free download of Destiny's Child's single, "Stand Up For Love (2005 World Children's Day Anthem)". The download is redeemable at https://www.connect.com/giveahand until December 31, 2005.
Other activities happening around the world include:
- Hong Kong: McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner along with the Duchess of York will celebrate World Children's Day with a concert and gala dinner.
- Mexico City: Actor Paul Newman was honored with a "Caring Hands, Caring Hearts" award at a Champ Car race, an auto racing league which spans the globe in bringing top-flight open-wheel racing to fans. Children who received hearing aids from previous World Children's Day fundraisers received autographed helmets from Newman.
- Norway: Give A Hands are being sold in restaurants and proceeds will go towards the construction of the first Ronald McDonald House in Norway.
- Poland: Celebrated the launch of the first European Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, a clinic on wheels which delivers affordable healthcare to communities in need around the world. This, the 29th Ronald McDonald Care Mobile unit in the world, was introduced by the Duchess of York in Warsaw last week. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile in Poland will specialize in early detection of pediatric cancers and act as a mobile blood donation center.
- U.S.: From November 18-20, a percentage of the sale of Mighty Kids Meals, Happy Meals and Extra Value Meals at participating McDonald's restaurants will benefit RMHC and local children's causes.
