100% Chance of "McFlurries" in Bathurst, NB

BATHURST, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - June 14, 2015) -

Editors Note: A photo for this release will be available on the Canadian Press picture wire via Marketwired.

Today, meteorologists around the world can call for isolated flurries in the picturesque town of Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada. Bathurst-population 12,275-is the birthplace of the McFlurry dessert, and where it was invented 20 years ago. To celebrate, McDonald's Canada is creating an actual flurry over its Bathurst restaurant and giving away the treat today in a delicious new red-and-white anniversary flavour: Red Velvet with Oreo^® cookie pieces.

The McFlurry was created by Bathurst McDonald's franchisee Ron McLellan in 1995 and is now available in 99 countries around the world. Unique flavours around the world include Baci® in Italy, Matcha in Japan and Durian Crunch in Singapore.

"Bathurst has given a lot to McDonald's guests around the world," said John Betts, McDonald's Canada President and CEO. "As our way of giving back, we're donating $5,000 towards the Home for Dinner program⁽¹⁾ at Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic and we're dedicating it to the people of Bathurst."

"The first McFlurry was made right here in Bathurst and I'm proud that it's become a Canadian favourite," said Ron McLellan, McDonald's Canada franchisee and McFlurry inventor. "I never expected that my creation would circle the globe with countries mixing together their own unique flavours."

Canadians who live outside Bathurst can get in on the fun when the McFlurry sampling truck visits locations across Canada this summer. Look for it in unexpected places, and find out more on www.mcflurry.ca or by following #McFlurry and @McDonaldsCanada on Instagram.

About McDonald's Canada

McDonald's is the leading foodservice company in the world. McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited and its Canadian franchisees own and operate more than 1,400 restaurants with more than 85,000 employees from coast-to-coast. Approximately 80 per cent of McDonald's Canadian restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs. For more information about McDonald's Canada, visit www.mcdonalds.ca or follow us on Twitter (@McD_Canada), Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonaldscanada) and Instagram (Instagram.com/mcdonaldscanada) for updates on our business, promotions and menu items.

⁽¹⁾ The Home for Dinner program is run in the kitchens of every Ronald McDonald House and it brings the community together as volunteer groups come to the House and cook a nutritious and balanced home-cooked meal for families to enjoy after a long day at the hospital. In 2014, 40,762 family dinners were served at Ronald McDonald Houses, including 3,090 meals in the Halifax House for families from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Like all houses, the kitchen is the heart of the Ronald McDonald House, where families come together to enjoy a meal and chance to connect with families going through similar situations.