Uko Akpanuko
Daily Herald
For its 23rd year running, Miracle Treat Day returns on Thursday, August 14, giving ice cream fans in Prince Albert the chance to turn a simple Blizzard Treat into meaningful support for local kids.
On Treat Day, the net proceeds from every Blizzard sold at the Dairy Queen in Prince Albert will go towards the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. It’s one of 12 children’s hospital foundations across Canada receiving support from
“Everyone is so excited,” said Aman Singh, the owner of the DQ franchise in Prince Albert. “Even some of my staff members that day, they volunteer for that day at my locations.”
For Singh and many DQ employees, Miracle Treat Day has a personal impact. Singh used to live in B.C., and the daughter of an employee was able to receive nearly $1 million in treatment at a children’s hospital. That experience underscored for Singh just how important children’s hospitals like the Jim Pattison are.
Singh said Miracle Treat Days have been very successful over the years, and he credits the employees and the community for making it work.
““All the businesses and all the community works together for the success of this day,” he said. “The money, that goes to all the community. It’s not going into anyone’s pocket or anything. It’s a cause that we all have to be participating in. We are doing something for the community.”
Singh believes the Prince Albert Community can improve on the record they set last year in terms of the donations that were made. He estimates the Prince Albert franchise raised around $7,100 in donations in 2024.
“I want to invite all of the community to participate,” he said. “This is nothing for the business. It’s all for the community…. It’s all for our future generations’ benefit.”
Since 1984, in Canada more than $55 million has been raised in support of children’s health through Miracle Treat Day. “This is one of the most inspiring days of the year for all of us at DQ,” said Candida Ness, Vice President of Marketing at DQ Canada. “Our franchisees and fans always show up in such a meaningful way and their continued support speaks to the incredible impact this campaign has had. We’re proud to keep that momentum going.”
This year, Canadian NHL star and Stanley Cup champion Brad Marchand joins the celebration to support local children’s hospitals through the Children’s Miracle Network. For every Blizzard Treat sold at participating locations across Canada, net proceeds will support 12 children’s hospital foundations nationwide. All funds raised stay in the communities where they’re collected.
A proud father from Nova Scotia, Marchand is helping raise awareness for the cause.
“As a dad, supporting children’s health, especially through Canadian children’s hospitals, is something I care deeply about,” Marchand said in a press release. “Buying a Blizzard Treat may seem like a small thing but on Miracle Treat Day it’s part of something so much bigger.”
Funds raised on Miracle Treat Day support each hospital’s most urgent priorities, ensuring kids receive the care and support they need most. In 2024 alone, Canadian children’s hospitals recorded more than three million visits.
On Miracle Treat Day, DQ franchisees, staff and volunteers come together in communities across the country to raise money for local hospital foundations and help ensure kids can access the care they need, close to home.
“DQ Canada has been a committed partner in children’s health for more than four decades, and Miracle Treat Day is a powerful example of what happens when communities rally together,” said Adam Starkman, President and CEO of Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Every Blizzard Treat sold helps fuel groundbreaking research and discovery, life-changing innovations and healing environments that make the hospital experience less overwhelming for families, ultimately, helping kids get back to being kids.”
For more information about Miracle Treat Day, visit MiracleTreatDay.ca. Fans are encouraged to share their support by taking a photo with their Blizzard Treat and sharing it with the hashtag #MiracleTreatDay. –with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald
