Protesters call for Ronald McDonald's retirement

Next to Santa Claus, Ronald McDonald is one of the most recognizable characters in the world.

But after nearly 50 years of being the face of a popular fast food restaurant, a consumer watchdog group says it's time to retire Ronald McDonald.

Corporate Accountability International staged protests at ten McDonald's restaurants, including the one on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown.

The group, which helped do away with other corporate characters like Joe Camel, Spuds MacKenzie and the Marlboro Man, says Ronald McDonald helps feed childhood obesity.

Group member Sarah Holzgraf said, "Ronald McDonald has been marketing to kids and getting kids hooked on unhealthy product at a young age."

Branding expert Jim Williams, with boost marketing in Minneapolis, says chances are slim McDonalds will give Ronald the boot.

He said, "It's a great marketing strategy--a clown icon is something that kids love and represents fun."

Parents, who grew up with Ronald themselves had mixed reaction.

Britta Rekstad said, "I think that's sad, he's a childhood icon."

"Kids look up to cartoon characters and they want to do what they do," said Esther Almeida.

McDonald's issued a statement saying, "Ronald helps deliver messages to families on many important subjects like safety, literacy and the importance of physical activity and making balanced food choices."

I'm really sad to see that with the MN Aids walk for 2010 is 2 months away and I haven't raised a single penny. With my blog and with Facebook, I was really hoping to reach my goal... I don't see that happening. :(

If anyone's interested, you can follow this link http://community.mnaidsproject.org/netcommunity/lorettawarsing   and please help me reach my goal. :)

I am so excited to be participating in the Minnesota AIDS Walk this year. I am walking because I feel it's important to raise awareness and prevent more transfers in the virus. Collecting donations and walking is key in the success of finding a cure. The Minnesota AIDS Walk is one of the top 25 fundraisers in the Twin Cities and the funds raised support the Minnesota AIDS Project in its mission to stop HIV in Minnesota through advocacy, prevention education, and service to those living with HIV.

The Minnesota AIDS Project has been a leading AIDS service organization in the state of Minnesota for more than 25 years. The Minnesota AIDS Project provides services to nearly half the population of known HIV positive residents in the state. Nationally,the rates of HIV infection are on the rise and someone is infected every 9-1/2 minutes, with one new diagnosis almost every day in Minnesota alone.

HIV prevention is critical right now to stop that rapid increase in new infections. There is a critical need to get HIV on the radar again and to address misperceptions about the disease.

Will you help me? I am posting this in hopes of being lucky enough to convince each of you to bag lunch for one day, and pledge the $10 you saved, I would exceed my individual fundraising goal, which is starting at $2,000. Please join me in the fight against HIV and donate today!

Together, making a difference will be a walk in the park.

Thank you,

Loretta

Please follow this link to donate and check up on my progress!
http://community.mnaidsproject.org/netcommunity/lorettawarsing