INNISFAIL – Mark Kemball was all smiles with his hardworking crew behind the counter last week.
The owner of Innisfail Dairy Queen was celebrating the 35th anniversary of his business on Main Street that officially began on Jan. 1, 1989.
Most importantly for the local businessman is during each of those 35 years he’s had a beneficial association with the Children’s Miracle Network that is dedicated to supporting the health and lives of children in both Canada and the United States.
On Aug. 8, there were special anniversary balloons being offered at the Main Street restaurant.
But there was much more to celebrate than just annual anniversary dates.
Aug. 8 was a day to host the parent company’s 22th annual Miracle Treat Day.I
"I can't believe it but we had a record year," said Kemball. "Between Blizzard sales and customer donations we raised just over $17,000. The community and my dedicated staff are amazing."
On this record-setting day the energy between staff and customers was high with excitement.
All staff members were proudly wearing blue t-shirts that had a Miracles by the Red Spoonful message to mark this year's Miracle Treat Day.
“It's the one day of the year where our staff really come together and they are absolutely excited to work on Miracle Treat Day,” said Kemball. “It's a busy day. It's one where they know the money raised is going to a facility they've either used or know somebody that has.”
Kemball’s Main Street business has been part of every annual Miracle Treat Day, as proceeds from the sales of Blizzard treats go to Calgary’s Alberta Children’s Hospital.
The money is then used to support children and their families by helping reduce hospital wait times, implementing life-saving treatments, as well as being an investment in advanced medical equipment that accelerates recoveries.
Participating Dairy Queen locations across Canada raised more than $2.89 million for the Children’s Miracle Network on Miracle Treat Day in 2023.
Since Kemball began his business began 35 years ago more than $242,000 has been raised for the children’s hospital.
Last year Kemball’s restaurant raised a record $15,500 on Miracle Treat Day, which was surpassed in 2024..
“I think we've been lucky over the years for a town our size to raise the kind of money that we do, and it (success) is because of the support we get from the community,” said Kemball. “People come. They buy a blizzard. They feel good about that, and know that the money is going to help kids.”
