Red Deer man’s artwork selected for national McDonald’s campaign

A Red Deer man’s artwork will be featured on McDonald’s packaging and in-restaurant displays across Canada.

This week, McDonald’s Canada officially launched its Made at McDonald’s campaign, which is described as a celebration of the artistic talents, unique stories and passions of those behind the counter.

Richard Sy, who works at the North Walmart and Red Deer North McDonald’s locations in Red Deer, was one of 17 employees across the country to have their artistic creations selected. The art will be unveiled in restaurants on July 29.

“I received a poster from McDonald’s headquarters (about Made at McDonald’s),” Sy said on Thursday, July 24.

“When I first saw it, there were just two days left before the deadline. They required three art pieces to enter the competition. I did that and luckily one was chosen. I’m very excited.”

Sy has worked at McDonald’s since moving to Canada in 2023. Prior to that, he was a McDonald’s employee in the Philippines for 29 years.

He was nine years old when he began his journey as an artist.

“It all started with drawing stickmen and things like that. Eventually, I started being developed by one of my teachers in elementary school,” said Sy, who noted he’s been an artist for more than four decades now.

Over the years, he’s had numerous exhibits, sold several paintings and participated in several artistic competitions.

“I’m new here in Canada, so it feels like I’m starting from zero (in the arts community). Even my colleagues here don’t know I’m doing paintings. I’m looking for some way to promote myself in terms of artistry. I’m approaching different museums and galleries in the area. I would love to join those exhibits in the future,” he said.

With much of the artwork Sy did in the Philippines, he aimed to provide an educational opportunity for younger people who didn’t know understand the value of their culture. He’s aiming to do the same thing here in Canada.

“Some of my paintings here in Canada have started with First Nations (imagery), to highlight the value of the culture,” he said.

To see more of Sy’s artwork, visit www.instagram.com/richardm.sy.