From August 24 to September 7, customers at McDonald’s in Sarnia and Petrolia can add a loonie to their order to help The Inn of the Good Shepherd provide school lunches for local children.
The annual Loonies for Lunches campaign is returning for its 20th year, with Sarnia and Petrolia McDonald’s franchisees Colleen and Peter Buckley once again inviting the community to help local children start the school year with healthy lunches.
From August 24 to September 7, customers at all McDonald’s locations in Sarnia and Petrolia will be asked to donate a loonie — or more — toward The Inn of the Good Shepherd’s school lunch program. Funds go directly to items such as juice boxes, granola bars, fruit cups, and other snacks for children in need.
With food prices and inflation straining family budgets, demand for help is high. The Inn supports more than 900 children each month through its programs.
“Thanks to the support and generosity of the Sarnia-Lambton communities, we are able to celebrate this year’s milestone, our 20th anniversary of the Loonies for Lunches food drive,” said Colleen Buckley, owner/operator of McDonald’s Restaurants of Sarnia and Petrolia. “My McFamily is excited to raise as much money as possible for these deserving students.”
Since its launch, the initiative has raised over $135,000, helping thousands of children across Lambton County.
The campaign traces back 21 years to a flood in Peterborough, when the Buckleys organized a drive to help. The Inn of the Good Shepherd provided a truck to deliver supplies. “The following year, they returned the favour with the first Loonies for Lunches,” said Myles Vanni, executive director of The Inn. “They’ve been caring for Sarnia kids ever since.”
Donations can be made in person at McDonald’s counters and drive-thrus during the campaign, or online at theinnsarnia.ca/donate by selecting “Loonies for Lunches.”
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