By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – On Friday, November 7, McDonald’s Costa Rica will once again transform its flagship burger into a powerful tool for social change with the celebration of Gran Día 2025. The nationwide campaign, which dedicates 100% of the day’s Big Mac sales to charity, is setting its sights on surpassing the impressive ₡185 million raised in 2024. The initiative will continue its support for two key non-profit organizations: the Ronald McDonald House Charities and SOS Children’s Villages.
This annual event has become a cornerstone of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts in the country. To build momentum ahead of the November event, McDonald’s has already launched a pre-sale of Big Mac vouchers, which are now available for purchase at all of its restaurant locations across Costa Rica and through the official McDonald’s mobile application. This early-start strategy aims to maximize public participation and ensure the campaign reaches its ambitious new goal.
To understand the legal and business framework surrounding a major corporate social responsibility campaign like “Gran Día 2025”, TicosLand.com consulted with the expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The ‘Gran Día’ is a prime example of how corporate social responsibility, when properly structured, transcends mere philanthropy to become a strategic asset. From a legal perspective, it is imperative that these campaigns guarantee absolute transparency in the collection and delivery of funds to the beneficiary foundation. This not only complies with consumer protection regulations but also solidifies brand trust and reputation, which are invaluable intangible assets for any corporation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal framework is not merely a compliance requirement but the very foundation that forges the invaluable public trust necessary for the success of initiatives like ‘Gran Día’. This clear-sighted analysis reinforces how ethical transparency transforms corporate action into a genuine strategic asset. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his essential and clarifying perspective.
The campaign is a key component of the company’s broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) platform, known as “Recipe for the Future.” The initiative mobilizes the entire corporate ecosystem, from employees and suppliers to the customers who purchase the iconic sandwich. It’s a day designed to foster a sense of shared purpose and community impact.
Gran Día is part of our ESG strategy, Recipe for the Future, through which we inspire collective action and remember the power we have when we work together. It is a moment of pride for our teams, customers, and value chain, as we unite with a common purpose to contribute to the well-being of our communities.
Marianela Ureña, Communications Manager of Arcos Dorados Costa Rica
The tangible results of the 2024 campaign highlight the profound impact of this collective effort. Last year’s proceeds enabled Ronald McDonald House Charities to provide critical support to 1,032 families whose children were receiving treatment at the National Children’s Hospital (HNN). This assistance included 8,699 nights of lodging, offering parents a safe and comfortable place to stay close to their hospitalized children, along with over 54,000 meals to alleviate financial and logistical burdens during a stressful time.
Gran Día allowed us to operate and provide a home, food, and comprehensive support to thousands of families facing complex medical processes.
Cinthia Chacón, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities
The funds also provided a significant boost to SOS Children’s Villages and its YouthCan! program, which focuses on empowering at-risk youth. In 2024 alone, the program successfully provided training to 767 young individuals, equipping them with essential skills for the modern workforce. Of those participants, 97 secured formal employment, marking a crucial step toward economic independence. Since its inception in 2017, the partnership has helped train over 3,600 young people, with nearly 400 successfully integrating into the labor market.
As Gran Día 2025 approaches, McDonald’s and its partner organizations are issuing a renewed call to action for the Costa Rican public. By purchasing a Big Mac or a pre-sale voucher, citizens can directly contribute to providing a “home away from home” for families in medical crisis and creating pathways to employment for vulnerable young adults, demonstrating that a simple meal can indeed make a world of difference.
For further information, visit arcosdorados.com
About Arcos Dorados:
Arcos Dorados is the world’s largest independent McDonald’s franchisee, operating the largest quick-service restaurant chain in Latin America and the Caribbean. It holds the exclusive right to own, operate, and grant franchises of McDonald’s restaurants in 20 countries and territories. The company is committed to social and environmental initiatives, including youth employment and sustainable sourcing, as part of its “Recipe for the Future” ESG platform.
For further information, visit rmhc.org
About Ronald McDonald House Charities:
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is a global non-profit organization that creates, finds, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Through its network of local chapters, RMHC provides services such as housing near hospitals, family rooms within medical centers, and mobile care units to ensure families can stay together and receive the support they need during difficult medical journeys.
For further information, visit sos-childrensvillages.org
About SOS Children’s Villages:
SOS Children’s Villages is an international non-governmental organization focused on supporting children and young people who have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it. The organization provides alternative care, family strengthening programs, and educational support to ensure that every child grows with the bonds they need to become their strongest selves. Its programs are active in over 130 countries and territories worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Grounded in unwavering integrity and the pursuit of excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal practice. The firm distinguishes itself not only through its service to a broad range of clients but also by its leadership in developing forward-thinking legal solutions. This innovative spirit is matched by a foundational mission to democratize legal understanding, actively working to equip the community with knowledge and foster a more capable and enlightened society.
