McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador and Lionesses superstar, Beth Mead, hosted a special McDonald’s Fun Football session to celebrate World Book Day and mark 150 million books distributed by McDonald’s over the last 10 years. It comes as McDonald’s pledges to ensure even more children from across the UK will benefit from access to free books and free football coaching.
McDonald’s has committed to supporting families by providing access to over 10million free books and over 2million hours of free football coaching a year, to kids aged 5-11 across the UK - as both its Happy Readers and Fun Football programmes continue to show up in communities where the need is greatest.
Children in the local area were invited to attend the event dressed as their favourite story characters and have an action-packed afternoon of interactive and educational fun. The Arsenal and England ace kept the aspiring youngsters entertained by helping them hone their footballing skills during the training session and hosted a special reading of Paddington Out and About. The story of the beloved bear and his marmalade sandwiches is one of two books that families across the UK can get their hands on for free until March 2 – the other being fan favourite, Rocket Rules. Alongside the free books, families will also find a £1 book token on their Happy Meal boxes so families can bolster their reading collections at home.
The special event highlighted how sports and reading are imperative to a child’s development, particularly when encouraged at an early age. Beth Mead, commented: “I know how important it is to get kids reading and active from an early age. More and more we are hearing about how parents are having to make difficult choices when it comes to where they spend their money. We want to ensure every child can easily access both free books and free football coaching through McDonald’s long running Happy Readers and Fun Football programmes.
“It was great hearing from the kids about their favourite football memories and books – plus their costumes were fantastic! I hope it inspires everyone to keep enjoying their reading and football this World Book Day and beyond.”
To further mark World Book Day and support children’s literacy, McDonald’s restaurants in Bradford, Coventry, Derby, Dundee, and Swindon will be unveiling immersive Story Corners for one week. McDonald’s worked with independent charity, the National Literacy Trust to identify the regional areas with low literacy levels. That’s why with its new Story Corners located in these specific areas, McDonald’s wants to inspire local kids to get involved in World Book Day by providing them with the space and tools to enjoy reading.
The cosy corners aim to offer families a comfortable and social space where they can take time out together to enjoy a read-along together, whilst bringing to life some of their favourite fictional characters courtesy of a unique dressing up box available exclusively for families.
Louise Page, Head of Brand Communications and Partnerships said: “World Book Day is an important date in the calendar for parents and children alike. McDonald’s passion for encouraging active lifestyles and reading continues to be a priority and it was fantastic to have Beth come down to the event and give the kids a day to remember! Through our giveaway of books in restaurants and through our charity partners this World Book Day, we want to ensure children all over the UK and Ireland have a book at home to enjoy with their families.”
