As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting social inclusion and supporting the most vulnerable communities, Manfoods–McDonald’s Egypt, a leading company in the fast-food industry, has announced its platinum sponsorship of “Everybody Needs a Buddy” campaign, in collaboration with the Egyptian Autistic Society. The initiative aims to integrate individuals with autism into society by building social bonds and encouraging the formation of friendships with members of the community.

The initiative addresses one of the key challenges faced by individuals with autism: difficulty in forming social relationships. Through “Autismania” Buddy System app, individuals with autism are paired with volunteers to participate in daily, educational, and recreational activities, as outings and academic support. This helps strengthen their engagement with society and creates a more inclusive and connected environment.

To amplify the impact of the initiative, Manfoods–McDonald’s Egypt will support the campaign’s wider reach by raising awareness among its customers about the initiative and ensuring they receive the necessary information to participate easily. This will be facilitated by integrating McDonald’s Egypt app with “Autismania” app, ensuring broader access, deeper impact, and maximum volunteer participation.

This collaboration marks a continuation of the strategic partnership between Manfoods–McDonald’s Egypt and the Egyptian Autistic Society, which began a decade ago. Together, they launched in-store training program in McDonald’s branches designed to prepare individuals with autism for integration into the labor market. The program offers a practical environment that considers trainees’ needs and provides real employment opportunities. Over the past ten years, the program has successfully trained over 200 young men and women and empowered several to secure actual jobs at McDonald’s restaurants, turning theoretical support into a tangible, sustainable impact.

Alaa Fathy, General Manager of Manfoods–McDonald’s Egypt, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: “Our support for individuals with autism is not just another CSR initiative, it is a deep long-term commitment we truly believe in. We are proud of our partnership with the Egyptian Autistic Society and honored to be the platinum sponsor of this important campaign that promotes social inclusion and fosters a supportive environment where individuals with disabilities can play an active and impactful role in society.”

It is worth noting that Manfoods–McDonald’s Egypt places social responsibility at the core of its strategic vision. The company is committed to supporting vulnerable children and families and enhancing access to quality healthcare and education. It embraces a long-term vision for sustainable development through active partnerships with civil society organizations and encourages its employees to engage in volunteer work. One of the key pillars of this effort is Ronald McDonald House Charities – Egypt “RMHC” through which the company delivers impactful projects and humanitarian initiatives to meet the needs of the community.