GMF#21 | What McDonald’s Taught Me About Charity
TL;DR:
When asked about good charities, I often say McDonald’s in the US is one of the best. It might sound radical, but their welcoming environment, accessible meals, and quiet kindness inspired my dream to reimagine how the world connects through acts of kindness. Today, Give.Asia is teaming up with local hawkers to provide meals for those in need, blending dignity with choice. If you know any F&B outlets who can join us, reach out, and let’s make kindness more accessible together.
McDonald’s inspired a vision of charity that’s accessible and inclusive.
Charity doesn’t have to be formal; small acts of kindness can make a difference.
Give.Asia’s meal program ensures dignity and choice for those in need.
Stories like an elderly man’s joy over a fishball noodle meal show the program’s impact.
The Give.Asia team is seeking F&B partnerships and community support to grow the initiative.
Why McDonald’s is My Favorite Charity
It was one of those bitter New York winters where the cold bites through every layer of clothing. Shivering and searching for a warm meal, I stumbled upon the golden arches of McDonald’s—a symbol of childhood joy that soon became something far greater.
Inside, I saw something that changed how I thought about kindness. Not only could I get a burger for just $1, but I noticed how the homeless used McDonald’s as a refuge. They came in from the freezing cold, asked for empty paper cups, and made soup using ketchup sachets and free hot water.
That moment was an eye-opener. From then on, no matter where I travel, I make it a point to visit the local McDonald’s.
Reimagining Charity
I know this answer might seem radical, but it starts to make more sense when I explain why.
During my university days, I came across a book that blew my mind: Blue Ocean Strategy. It challenged me to think differently, to reimagine possibilities.
For me, McDonald’s represents a reframing of what charity could be. It’s a world-class organization found in every corner of the globe, providing affordable and nutritious meals in a family-friendly environment. More importantly, it’s a place where kindness is extended without discrimination.
The golden arches were my childhood joy, but today, I see them as a beacon of happiness and quiet generosity for so many. To me, charity isn’t just about helping the most needy—it’s about doing our part to be kind whenever and however we can.
A New Way to Connect Through Kindness
Inspired by Blue Ocean Strategy, I’ve long dreamed of connecting the world through acts of kindness. It doesn’t always have to be formal charities doing good; sometimes, it’s about ordinary people helping out where and when they can.
I’m proud—and honestly, a little embarrassed—that it’s taken so long to get this dream off the ground. But here we are, finally making it happen.
Meals with Dignity and Choice
Here’s Dennis and Stephanie from our team, who’ve teamed up with the amazing folks at Ming Fa Fishball Noodles and Tong Fong Fatt Chicken Rice. Together, we’re providing meals for those in need while ensuring they have dignity and choice.
The goal is simple: when someone just needs a bit of kindness, they should still have the freedom to enjoy a meal they truly want—just like any of us when we visit a hawker center in our neighborhood.
We’re just getting started, but I couldn’t wait to share this because, frankly, I need your help.
How You Can Help
If you know an F&B outlet that might join this movement, connect us! A simple introduction could mean hundreds of meals for those in need.
And if you want to directly support, visit the Kindness Shop (https://give.asia/shop) and show your love by supporting our “Meals for Elderly” program. Every donation makes a real difference in ensuring that kindness isn’t just a dream but a daily reality.
Looking Ahead
Kindness doesn’t have to be grand—it can be as simple as a warm meal shared with dignity. Whether it’s connecting us to an F&B outlet, supporting the Kindness Shop, or spreading the word, every act helps us create a world where no one is left out in the cold. Together, we can make kindness as accessible as a $1 burger or a bowl of noodles at a hawker center. 🌟