Money raised from the day will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities, which includes Ronald McDonald House.

As well as people simply handing over donations, funds on Saturday were raised through the purchasing of Big Macs, McHappy Day socks, and helping hands.

RMHC CEO Barbara Ryan said McHappy Day was vital to ensure families with seriously ill children had care and support when they needed it most.

“This is our biggest fundraising day of the year and truly helps make a difference for families in their time of need,” Ms Ryan said.

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She said every week more and more families came to Ronald McDonald Houses in need of a place to stay.

The total amount raised at the McDonald’s restaurants in Dubbo and Wellington is still being calculated.

In 2016, the region raised almost $13,500, helping to make it the most successful McHappy Day in the history of Ronald McDonald Houses.

Last year the event helped provided almost 70,000 nights of accommodation at Ronald McDonald Houses in NSW for more than 1300 families. It also allowed more than 1300 students to take part in the Ronald McDonald Learning Program on any given week.