McDonald's Takes Part In Peace Day After All, Partners With The United Nations, Not Burger King

McDonald's may not have been ready to make a McWhopper with Burger King for Peace Day, but they are taking steps with the United Nations to raise awareness for the refugee crisis and encourage people to donate to the World Food Programme.

"If anyone can help an international effort to help feed refugees and the fight against hunger, it's us," Steve Easterbrook, McDonald's CEO, said in a statement on September 20.

Burger King originally approached McDonald's to make a McWhopper sandwich for Peace Day on September 21, but McDonald's declined, saying, "We commit to raise awareness worldwide, perhaps you'll join us in a meaningful global effort?"

While Burger King went on to create the Peace Day Burger with other chains, McDonald's is in the midst of creating a digital ad called "Symbols" to raise refugee awareness. Easterbrook worked with corporations such as DreamWorks, United Airlines, and MasterCard to make the ad, which is slated to air on Peace Day.

WFP donationsfrom this campaign will be used for the emergency response fund to aid refugees in Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, and Yemen.

Burger King responded to McDonalds' tactics in a statement saying, "Any peace related activity McDonald's undertakes, whether in partnership with Burger King or on their own, is great, as it will raise further awareness for Peace Day."

It could be assumed that Burger King planted this idea to do something for Peace Day, and now it just seems like the companies are trying to outdo each other. Regardless, it's all for a good cause.