Devouring a cold, refreshing ice cream on a summer day sounds like the perfect treat. What could make it even better is knowing that buying such a treat helps sick kids in this community, and beyond.
But what happens if that summer day is overcast, with periods of rain ahead of a near monsoon that evening?
Thankfully, in Aldergrove the damper weather didn't slow participation in the local Dairy Queen restaurant's annual Miracle Treat Day.
For its 23rd year running, Miracle Treat Day returned on Thursday, Aug. 14. Net proceeds from every Blizzard sold in 91原创 that day went toward supporting BC Children's Hospital Foundation 鈥� one of 12 children鈥檚 hospital foundations across Canada.
Admittedly, for the four 91原创 DQ stores owned by Steve Wheelhouse (91原创 City, Willowbrook, Walnut Grove, and Willoughby), sales of the treats did fall slightly, compared to 2024.
鈥淥ur contribution unfortunately is down a little this year," he shared, noting he contributed $13,000 last year, but they only raised $11,200 last Thursday.
"The weather didn鈥檛 cooperate in our area," he said, noting showers started during the dinner hour, and intensified from there through Friday.
"We are hoping to come back stronger next year," said Wheelhouse, who has been participating in Miracle Treat Day since 2001.
"It鈥檚 always had a strong place on the annual calendar, but every year it becomes more and more important after meeting parents and children that the hospital has had life changing positive impacts on.鈥�
Weather aside, Aldergrove DQ owner/operator Robin Singh was pleased to announce an almost 44-per-cent increase in the sale of Blizzard treats this year compared to last.
In 2024, his restaurant in Aldergrove contributed $3,231.24 to the children's hospital, while this year Singh is expecting to donate $4,649.26.
"Miracle Treat Day is more than just enjoying a sweet treat," Singh shared with Black Press Media.
"It's about coming together as a community to create miracles for children and families who need our support the most. It brings compassion, awareness, and contributions among community members," he added, noting that his team added personal names on paper balloons that they then posted up inside the store.
It created what Singh described as a "conducive atmosphere for donating."
Despite some ups and down in the Lower Mainland numbers, DQ Canada is expecting strong numbers overall this year, said Candida Ness, vice-president of marketing for Dairy Queen.
鈥淢iracle Treat Day 2025 was one of our biggest years yet, and we are so grateful to everyone who made it possible," she explained.
"From our franchisees and staff to our partners and communities, the energy and generosity across the country were incredible. The West Coast showed up strong this year, and we couldn鈥檛 be prouder of the support for local children鈥檚 hospitals. On behalf of DQ Canada, thank you for helping us make such a meaningful impact for kids and families who need it most," said Ness, who noted that since 1984 DQ has turned their sweet treats into more than $55 million in life-changing support for kids across Canada.
