Beijing Ronald McDonald House hosts Children's Day celebration

The Beijing Ronald McDonald House held an International Children's Day event on May 29 for children with critical illnesses and their families, featuring activities designed to provide support during medical treatment.

Ronald McDonald poses for photos with children at the Beijing Ronald McDonald House during an International Children's Day celebration, May 29, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

The Beijing McDonald's Volunteer Group, backed by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, organized clay workshops, cookie-making, remote-controlled car races and games with the McDonald's mascot.

"I wish all the children at Beijing Ronald McDonald House a happy International Children's Day and good health," one volunteer said before the event began.

While laughter and joy filled the air at the event, the children present were confronting serious health challenges, including tumors and blood disorders.

Ronald McDonald interacts with children at the Beijing Ronald McDonald House during an International Children's Day celebration, May 29, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

One of three Ronald McDonald Houses in China, the Beijing facility sits across from Beijing Children's Hospital and provides free temporary housing for families traveling long distances for their children's medical treatment.

The facility has 10 family rooms, a kitchen, laundry room, playroom and dining area. Staff organize regular events, including holiday parties and birthday celebrations, to support children during treatment.

The facility provides more than just accommodation, serving as a "home away from home" for families with sick children, according to Li Huiru, director of the Beijing Ronald McDonald House.

Ronald McDonald gives gifts to children at the Beijing Ronald McDonald House during an International Children's Day celebration, May 29, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

"For children at the Ronald McDonald House, International Children's Day is the most anticipated moment of the year," Li told China.org.cn. "We, as the organizers of the event, want to create joy and hope for these children on this special day."

The Ronald McDonald House program and broader community support enable children with severe diseases to receive high-quality care at leading children's hospitals far from home.

Children and their families engage in a clay-making activity at the Beijing Ronald McDonald House, May 29, 2025. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

"The Ronald McDonald House has already provided beacons of hope for families with children battling severe diseases," Li added. "We hope more facilities like ours will emerge to help these families navigate their children's treatment more smoothly."