INNISFAIL – It may not have been cold outside but it was a perfect day for a Blizzard.
Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen in Innisfail has been serving up Blizzards and supporting the Children’s Miracle Network for 16 years.
This year's annual event took place on Aug. 9.
“Hot and sunny is Christmastime for a Dairy Queen operator. It’s absolutely fantastic when we have great weather (for Miracle Treat Day),” said Mark Kemball, owner of the local Dairy Queen. “It’s our way of giving back to all of our customers.”
“It’s a very busy day for us,” he added, noting they make upwards of 3,000 Blizzards that day.
Dairy Queen has raised money for the Children’s Miracle Network, which funds children’s hospitals across Canada and the United States, noted Kemball.
“Over the years we have donated money to both the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton and the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary,” he said. “This year our proceeds are going to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary.”
Last year, Innisfail Dairy Queen raised a total of just over $15,000, including proceeds from Blizzard sales, donation canisters, and Miracle Balloon sales.
“Through various fundraising efforts throughout the year, we raise about $15,000,” said Kemball, noting Blizzard sales bring in close to $10,000 on Miracle Treat Day.
Although Miracle Treat Day has been held for 16 years, Dairy Queen’s generosity in donating to the Alberta Children's Hospital goes back about 30 years, said Kemball.
“It really became big when we started donating all of the proceeds from our Blizzards to the hospital,” he added.
Kemball noted the important cause and the community support the event receives every year.
“It’s important that we have healthy children in this province. That’s what it’s all about, is giving back to (the children),” Kemball concluded.
