Dairy Queen’s Miracle Treat Day Raises $55 Million for CHEO

UPDATE: Dairy Queen’s annual Miracle Treat Day is underway today, October 12, 2023, and is set to raise critical funds for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). As the community rallies, each Blizzard purchase contributes to a staggering total of over $55 million raised for children’s hospitals across Canada since the partnership began in 1984.

This year’s event has already ignited hope and support among families like that of 13-year-old Lu Oudhoff, who expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s really great that we get to help them by eating ice cream, because ice cream is awesome.” Lu, who has received mental health support from CHEO, highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying it empowers her to give back to the institution that helped her through tough times.

Local Dairy Queen stores are donating their net proceeds from Blizzard sales to CHEO, a move celebrated by the community. Steve Read, president and CEO of the CHEO Foundation, stated, “Miracle Treat Day is a vital part of our fundraising efforts, and we’re grateful to Dairy Queen for their continued support.”

Community members are showing their dedication. Donalda Tryon, a local construction worker, ordered 15 Blizzards for her crew, saying, “We do this every year for the guys. It helps out everyone.” Another customer, Rebecca Laginski, praised CHEO’s services, remarking, “We’re so fortunate to have that level of care for kids so close by.”

This year, over 660 Dairy Queen locations are participating in the event, supporting 13 children’s hospital foundations nationwide. Noman Hussain, a Dairy Queen Eastern Ontario business consultant, emphasized the impact of this initiative: “This helps us give back to the community in the best way possible. It’s about raising money for the children, the future of our country.”

As Miracle Treat Day continues, the community’s spirit shines brightly. For Lu, the act of buying an ice cream is more than just a purchase; it’s a way to make a difference. “We literally just buy an ice cream and then bam, we’re helping CHEO,” she said, encapsulating the event’s heartwarming mission.

With the day still ongoing, there’s no better time to indulge in a Blizzard and support a cause that transforms lives. Share the joy and join the movement that brings hope to countless children and their families.