Cases | Clear Channel

Ronald McDonald House engaged parents through interactive outdoor advertising

Written by Clear Channel | Feb 17, 2025
Ronald McDonald House carried out a touching outdoor advertising campaign during Children's Rights Week, highlighting the importance of family presence in the life of a hospitalized child. The campaign was a successful example of how technology, visual simplicity, and an emotional message can be combined into a powerful and impactful experience.

Client: Ronald McDonald House

The main message: highlighting the importance of parental presence for a child, especially in the hospital.

Target group: parents

Ad Screens: Shopping Digital

Campaign period: marraskuu 2024

 

”Nowhere does a child need their family more than in the hospital”, says Johanna Huhtariihi from the Ronald McDonald Children’s Charity

This message was linked by Dentsu Creative to the mission of Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home-like environment for families whose child is seriously ill and receiving treatment at the New Children’s Hospital in Helsinki, far from their own home.

 

The interactive special execution powerfully brought the message to life

Digital outdoor advertising provided the perfect platform to achieve the campaign’s goals. The interactive display responded to viewers by first showing a sad child on the screen, prompting them to step closer. As the person approached, the child’s expression turned into a smile, accompanied by the text: "Being close makes a big difference."

”The interactive display naturally responded to approaching viewers, enhancing the impact of the experience”, says Jarmo Juhala, Project Director at Dentsu.

 

The QR code featured in the advertisement allowed viewers to donate in support of Ronald McDonald House’s mission. The powerful message, combined with a clear call to action, gave the audience a tangible way to contribute to an important cause.

 

“An ad gains more attention when it stops the viewer and evokes a reaction”, says Johanna Huhtariihi.

 

Key partners, including Inuits (interactive technology) and Tonto Helsinki (visual production), ensured the campaign’s technical and creative success. The campaign was displayed at Kauppakeskus Kamppi and Mall of Tripla, where it reached a larger audience than expected.

 

The Campaign Received Positive Feedback and Sparked Discussion

The campaign generated significant positive attention, both on social media and through direct feedback received by the foundation.

 

"The feedback has praised the message of the advertisement and how well the creative idea aligns with our mission", says Johanna Huhtariihi.

 

"We have received a great deal of positive attention and feedback. This has been a remarkable success, both in delivering an important message and in terms of user experience", adds Jarmo Juhala.

 

The campaign’s success highlighted the impact of outdoor advertising not just in grabbing attention, but also in creating an emotional connection and delivering a meaningful message.

 

Watch the video of the campaign: