Ronald McDonald House to open its doors in China

A child participates in a running event to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House at Beijing's Garden Expo on Oct 19.[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

China's first Ronald McDonald House, a charitable facility funded by fast-food chain McDonald's, will be established in Changsha, Hunan province, in 2015, organizers announced at a charitable running event on Sunday.

Founded in 1974, Ronald McDonald House is a place to stay for families with hospitalized children who are receiving medical treatment. The house provides a facility for family members to rest, wash clothes, refresh themselves or nap near the vicinity of their child.

On Sunday, McDonald's organized a nationwide event in seven major Chinese cities, where almost 3,000 families were invited to run in red outfits to enhance family bonds while celebrating the 40-year anniversary of the program.

McDonald's will donate 10 yuan ($1.63) for each participant to the first Ronald McDonald House in China.

"As one of the most representative charity programs funded by Ronald McDonald Foundation, the new house in China will offer a 'home away from home' for children, who are receiving treatment, and their family members," Zhang Jiayin, managing director of McDonald's China, said at the running event's Beijing leg on Sunday, which saw nearly 1,000 families take part.

From Oct 15 to 26, consumers can donate to the program at McDonald's restaurants in China. A pair of red and white striped socks will be given for donations of 20 yuan.