Steinbach’s Dairy Queen gives ‘Blizzard’ conditions for Children’s Miracle Network

There were Blizzard conditions in Steinbach along with a welcome response from the community on Aug. 13 as Dairy Queen in Steinbach hosted Miracle Treat Days to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

DQ owner Stewart Holditch said the annual event raised $12,604 for the charity with 2,276 blizzards sold, which is an increase from last year’s record of over $3,000 and 300 orders raised.

“It was just crazy busy back here that day. Obviously, this is one of the best days of the year for us but this year was over the top. We were just bumpin’ back here. All of our volunteers were just amazed at the turnout which was steady the whole day, with the drive-thru lined up right around the building. The community really came out to support the charity drive, and we are just incredibly grateful,” said Holditch.

Over $2 million has been raised by Dairy Queen in Manitoba since the Miracle Days drive started, and this year’s efforts will go towards funding essential research at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba centred towards fighting childhood illnesses.

Holditch attributes the increase in Blizzards sold this year to their introduction of the coupon program, which allows the purchaser to get a fresh treat at the time of their choice rather than a preserved frozen one. Over 600 coupons were sold this year, with several purchasers remarking they could use them as stocking stuffers at Christmas time or for employee get togethers at work, making the coupon program a delicious innovation by Holditch.

“All proceeds go to the Children’s Miracle Network and supporting our local children’s hospital,” said Holditch. “So, with these coupons, even if you want to buy a couple extra or bless your friends with a tasty present down the road, the coupons give year-round flexibility.”

But Holditch was quick to point out that really, it’s the support of the community that made the day so successful, and the cadre of past employees and local celebrity volunteers that showed up to crew the kitchen is testimony to that fact.

Steinbach Pistons coach Paul Dyck put in several hours at the drive-thru window and working the Blizzard machine to try and keep up with the demand. Dyck also demonstrated to hockey up-and-comers like young Eastman South Blizzard player, Hudson Unger, there with his mother to support the charity event, the importance of giving back to the community.

Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk and city councillor Michael Zwaagstra were also on hand to assist with meeting the demand of the day-long drive. Staff at the restaurant were grateful for the help during the busy day, with one tossing the mayor a rag and telling him, “Here! Wipe this down fast, they’re still coming.”

The pace outside the restaurant was no less hectic as members of the Country Classic Car Club showed up in the adjacent McMunn and Yates parking lot to give folks something to look over while devouring their Miracle Day treats.

“This is a great cause, and one my family has needed in the past, so next year we’re gonna do it all over again and raise the take for the CHFM. Thank you Steinbach,” said Holditch.