My McDonald’s Story: Giving Back After a 35-Year Career Under the Arches

Bert and Patricia joined the McFamily 35 years ago, and since then, have tried their hand at nearly 20 different positions – working their way up from Crew member to restaurant manager, to their current positions as the National Operations Consultant (Bert) and Operations Supervisor (Patricia). Now, as the happily married couple reflect on their 35-year career with McDonald's Canada, they thought it only fitting to celebrate by giving back to the community that has given them so much.

Connections35, the name for Bert and Patricia’s fundraiser, was inspired with the idea to raise $3,535.35 for RMHC on their 35th anniversary. However, after reflecting on all the connections they had been able to make over the years, they wanted a way to involve the McDonald’s community in their fundraiser as well. Hopping in their car, the two set out to drive across Ontario and visit the most northern, southern, eastern and western McDonald’s restaurants in the province, as well as the four RMHC houses, to raise money for RMHC while engaging with the McDonald’s community.

“Our journey with Connections35 is Bert and I’s way of giving back to the community that has supported us the last 35 years,” said Patricia. “Fundraising for a good cause while being able to meet other members of the McFamily and spread cheer to Crew and restaurant staff, has been the best way to spend our 35-year work anniversary.”

“We feel Connections35 has helped further connect the McDonald’s community through storytelling,” said Bert.  “We’ve heard some incredible stories, but one that sticks out to us is from Ryan Sgro, [Franchisee from Burlington], and how he created custom T-Shirts for everyone during the month of June to further support his LGBTQ2+ employees and community during Pride.” 

For Bert and Patricia, their eagerness to give back to their McDonald’s community started long before their 35th anniversary.

As a teenager who came to Saskatchewan knowing little to no English, Patricia’s first job at a McDonald’s restaurant propelled her into a new life. It was her team at McDonald’s that helped her with learning the language and taught her the fundamental life skills like customer service, money management, and confidence that she would need to succeed throughout the rest of her life.

“I remember having the thought in my head, ‘I just want to be able to work the Drive-Thru one day,’ and that experience helped me to learn the language, both through communicating with customers and the Crew,” said Patricia. “Being a newcomer is always difficult, but my team instantly made me feel welcome, and for that I am truly grateful.”

Similar to Patricia, Bert came to Canada as an immigrant and got his first job at a McDonald’s restaurant, where he met Patricia. The two were inseparable, moving through the ranks together, eventually landing where they are now.

“Our management team always made sure there was opportunity and room for people like us to grow,” said Bert. “McDonald’s Canada provided us with the support and education to succeed in life – something we both might not have had otherwise.”

Today, Bert and Patricia have four children – referred to as their 4 McNuggets – that they have encouraged to get a first job at McDonald’s Canada as well. Not only do the two feel like a first job at a McDonald’s restaurant will set their kids up for success, but more importantly it will give them the opportunity to engage in the community that was so supportive and made such a big impact in both Bert and Patricia’s lives.

Without the community encouraging their career development every step of the way, during both the good and challenging times, Bert and Patricia wouldn’t be where they are today.

In 1989, Bert remembers leaving McDonald’s for a brief time to explore other opportunities after being a Crew trainer. His manager at the time was not willing to see Bert leave, knowing he had so much potential ahead of him. This prompted her to reach out to Bert to show him the different pathways that were available under the Arches. From there, Bert rejoined the team and mapped out his future with his manager.

“I remember how much that meant to me as a young man,” said Bert. “Knowing that someone believed in me enough to open the doors was my ‘aha’ moment that I saw a lifelong career here.”

Through Connections35, Bert and Patricia have been able to more than double their fundraising goal. The total amount raised will be donated to RMHC on September 4th during a ceremony held at the very location Bert and Patricia first met.

To get involved in Connections35 by donating, please visit https://www.rmhccanada.ca/fundraisers/connections-35