• by Teresa Buyikian , February 10, 2025

McDonald’s beloved giant purple character Grimace is back, and this time he’s brought along someone(thing?) special to help promote the chain’s yearly Shamrock Shake drop, which this year will directly benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

Last week the chain introduced “Uncle O'Grimacey,” supposedly the long-lost “vibrant, joyful and generous” relative of Grimace. Per the chain, when “Grimace stumbled upon his family's original Shamrock Shake recipe, … it sparked Grimace to reconnect with his Uncle O'Grimacey. …Uncle O'Grimacey packed his bags and embarked on a journey from Sham Rock, Ireland. [Now in the U.S.], Uncle O'Grimacey is traveling coast-to-coast, spreading Shamrock cheer.”

Beginning Feb. 10 through Mar. 23, 25 cents from every minty Shamrock Shake sold will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities, the nonprofit with the mission to provide support and temporary housing for families with ill or injured children. The fundraising goal is $5 million, which could provide as many as 50,000 overnight stays for families on RMHC programs.

 “This year, we are getting back to the first fundraiser that started our incredible partnership with RMH,” said Michael Gonda, chief impact officer, North America, McDonald's. This Shamrock Shake Season, with a little extra cheer from the Grimace family, we're reminded that the most precious gift is being close to those you love."

The brand has also launched a new collection of Uncle O'Grimacey merchandise, including T-shirts, baseball caps and crewnecks. The exclusive drop is available now for presale at goldenarchesunlimited.com. McDonald's will make an additional donation to RMHC from sales of the new merch.

Fans can follow Uncle Grimacey’s adventures on McDonald’s Instagram @McDonalds, @mcdonaldscorp and @RMHC.