Local McDonald's franchisee partners with CEDA

McDonald’s franchisee, David Shawyer, who owns and operates four restaurants in the Exeter and Exmouth area, has just announced his partnership with CEDA (Community, Equality, Disability Action), an independent registered charity who provide learning and social opportunities for disabled people in Devon.

To celebrate David’s new partnership, on Tuesday 14th March he hosted a VIP event at his Exeter High Street restaurant whereby CEDA young people had exclusive use of the restaurant and received a meal from McDonald’s.

The aim of the event was to encourage the young people to socialise with friends in a safe environment, as many of the children face social anxiety.

Following the event, CEDA will be supporting McDonald’s in introducing more sensory friendly VIP sessions where light or sound can be changed to make the experience more pleasurable for those with sensory processing issues.

David Shawyer, who owns and operates the restaurant on Exeter High Street, said: “McDonald’s is committed to supporting the local community, which is why I am delighted to announce our partnership with CEDA. It’s important that all children have the opportunity to learn and socialise in a safe space and we are proud to be the restaurant supporting this amazing organisation.”

Craig Bowden, CEDA Partnership & Marketing Manager, said: “We are really excited to partner with McDonald’s, and I’d like to thank David and his team for supporting CEDA. We believe in the potential of all disabled people, and we have a vision of a society where disabled people are valued.  We are delighted McDonald’s is supportive of our aims.”

Other upcoming opportunities for the young people of CEDA as a result of David Shawyer partnering with the organisation are:

• Employability skills: taking the group on a behind the scenes restaurant tour and a ‘Make Your Own Burger’ session.
• Community days: an opportunity for CEDA children to give back to society through planting trees and litter picking.
• Summer holiday project: CEDA children will create a short film on the perspective of being a disabled young person to share with McDonald’s staff to help with understanding the challenges they face.

CEDA aims to empower people to make their own choices, develop knowledge and skills, promote inclusion and equality, and develop social skills to help broaden experiences.