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Special Olympics Israel wristbands sold in McDonald's restaurants throughout Israel to benefit athletes competing in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in China. |
In Israel, it's the Special Olympics athletes who are doing the cheering. They have a valuable new teammate—McDonald's Israel—who's making their dreams come true. McDonald's Israel has helped give Special Olympics athletes in the country the sports opportunity of a lifetime, the self-respect and thrill of a paycheck and a boost in public awareness of Special Olympics.
This new partnership began in September 2007 for the benefit of Special Olympics Israel athletes who were preparing to compete at the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in China. McDonald's Israel Chairman and CEO Omri Padan directed a fundraising campaign to sell Special Olympics wristbands at all McDonald's restaurants in the country. All proceeds went to Special Olympics Israel.
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McDonald's Israel Chairman and CEO Omri Padan (second from left) and Special Olympics Israel Vice-Chair Tali Kornhauser (far right) at the company's reception for the Special Olympics athlete employees, (from left) Tal Zahavi, Udi Cohen and Lin Kornhauser, who competed at the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in China. |
Athletes are thrilled at the opportunities McDonald's has offered. Nine months ago, it was the first day at work for Lin Kornhauser, 20. “Sometimes dreams do come true,” Kornhauser said of her job at McDonald's, which consists of cleaning tables and trays and occasionally wrapping hamburgers. “I love to go to work with great expectations; I feel good about myself; I feel I am helping people,” she said. Kornhauser's supervisor, Idan Lov, Manager of the McDonald's branch in the park mall of Ra'anana, said that Kornhauser is one of his most talented workers. “She is industrious and always pleasant, and that has a positive affect on all of my staff,” said Lov.
Special Olympics athlete Tal Zahavi is a loyal and conscientious worker, according to McDonald's Manager Ally, at the Ayalon Mall, Ramat Gan location. The proof is in the letters he receives from customers, complimenting Zahavi on his performance. As a result, Zahavi was awarded a five-star, best employee award.
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Special Olympics Israel athletes Udi Cohen (athletics), Lin Kornhauser (table tennis), Tal Zahavi (cycling) are the first three athletes employed by McDonald's Israel. Their success has led the company to hire more athletes. |
Kornhauser's colleague and Special Olympics Israel athlete Udi Cohen, 21, enjoys working at McDonald's so much he rushes home from school three days a week to work the afternoon shift. He's never late for work.
Dedication, enthusiasm, great attitudes, pride in their work—choice attributes successful companies look for in their employees. Special Olympics athletes bring all the right ingredients to their jobs at McDonald's, and, in Israel, it's been a recipe for success.
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Israel's President Shimon Peres (center) with (from left in white shirts) Special Olympics Israel Vice Chair Tali Kornhauser, table tennis coach Giora Tchichkin, Judo coach Alex, and Special Olympics Israel National Director Ariella Bar at the reception Peres gave for athlete representatives and coaches before their departure to the 2007 World Games in China. | |
