In a powerful demonstration of its long-standing commitment to social inclusion and supporting vulnerable communities, Manfoods–McDonald’s Egypt, a leader in the fast-food sector, has announced its platinum sponsorship of the “Everybody Needs a Buddy” campaign.
This initiative is being launched in collaboration with the Egyptian Autistic Society with the aim of empowering and integrating individuals with autism into society by fostering meaningful social connections and promoting community engagement.
Fostering Inclusion Through the Buddy System
The campaign tackles one of the most significant challenges faced by individuals with autism — building social relationships.
Through the “Autismania” Buddy System app, participants are paired with qualified volunteers who accompany them in a range of daily, educational, and recreational activities, such as outings, academic support, and play. This approach helps bridge the social gap and cultivates a more inclusive and connected environment.
Technology Integration for Greater Reach
To maximize the campaign’s reach and impact, Manfoods–McDonald’s Egypt will promote the initiative through its customer channels and raise awareness about how individuals can get involved.
As part of this strategy, the McDonald’s Egypt app will be integrated with the Autismania app, facilitating broader access and encouraging maximum volunteer participation while delivering a seamless user experience.
A Decade of Strategic Partnership
This initiative builds upon a 10-year strategic partnership between Manfoods–McDonald’s Egypt and the Egyptian Autistic Society. Over the past decade, the two organizations have co-developed an in-store training program across McDonald’s branches in Egypt, aimed at preparing individuals with autism for the labor market. The program offers a practical, supportive environment tailored to participants’ needs and provides real employment opportunities.
To date, over 200 youth have been trained, with many going on to secure long-term positions at McDonald’s restaurants—transforming theoretical support into sustainable impact.
Leadership Commitment to Long-Term Inclusion
Commenting on the partnership, Alaa Fathy, General Manager of Manfoods–McDonald’s Egypt, stated:“Our support for individuals with autism is far more than a CSR initiative — it’s a long-term commitment that reflects our core values.
We are proud of our decade-long partnership with the Egyptian Autistic Society and honored to serve as the platinum sponsor of this campaign, which reinforces social inclusion and helps individuals with disabilities actively participate and thrive in society.”
Sustainable Social Responsibility
Manfoods–McDonald’s Egypt has embedded corporate social responsibility into its strategic framework. The company is committed to supporting underserved children and families, enhancing access to healthcare and education, and promoting sustainable development.
It fosters strong partnerships with civil society organizations and encourages employee volunteerism. A flagship component of this effort is Ronald McDonald House Charities – Egypt (RMHC), which plays a vital role in delivering impactful humanitarian initiatives tailored to meet local community needs.
