At Ronald McDonald House New York, we believe in big magic. And sometimes, that magic looks like a bunny in a pastel vest rising through the Manhattan skyline in the bucket of an FDNY fire truck.
Yes, really.
On a beautiful spring afternoon, families staying at Ronald McDonald House New York were treated to a truly unforgettable celebration: our annual Hoppy Spring event, brought to life by FDNY Engine 44, Ladder 13, and the NYPD. With sirens whooping (in joy, not urgency), cameras rolling, and spring energy in the air, the event was even picked up by WCBS New York, whose crew captured the smiles, the squeals, and yes, the aerial bunny arrival from every adorable angle.
If you’ve never seen a child wave at a bunny descending from the sky, you’re missing out on one of life’s purest joys.
Springtime in the City—With a Little Help from Our Heroes
Every year, our staff and volunteers work to create special moments for the families staying at the House. These are families navigating some of the most difficult chapters of their lives—far from home, focused on one thing only: their child’s health.
That’s why Hoppy Spring is about more than seasonal cheer. It’s about interrupting stress with joy, lifting spirits(sometimes literally), and reminding families that even in the hardest of times, they are surrounded by a community that cares deeply.
This year, that community included some very recognizable faces in navy blue and fire-engine red.
FDNY and NYPD: Partnering for a Bunny Mission
We owe a massive thank you to the heroic teams at FDNY Engine 44 and Ladder 13, who brought their full hearts—and their full truck—to this mission of joy. With the help of the NYPD, they coordinated a floor-by-floor bunny visit unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
Instead of hopping down a hallway or appearing in the lobby, the Spring Bunny made his rounds via fire truck bucket, rising up to each floor of the House, waving to children through their windows and balcony doors. Kids squealed. Parents took photos. Staff paused for a collective “Did that bunny just wave at me from 50 feet in the air?” moment.
Spoiler: He did.
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