THUNDER BAY — Dairy Queen's annual Miracle Treat Day returned on Thursday, with the ice cream and fast-food shop donating proceeds from every Blizzard to the Children's Hospital Foundation.
The annual event brought the community together to enjoy a cold treat, while supporting something even greater.
Ravi Patel, owner of Dairy Queen on Southern Avenue, said the funds received in Thunder Bay directly support the Children's Hospital in London, Ont., where many Thunder Bay children have attended for specialized care.
"Dairy Queen has been supporting the sick kids throughout Canada for more than 40 years, I believe.
“Every year we raise the funds for sick kids,” he said.
Patel said in 2024, throughout Canada, Dairy Queen raised more than $3 million on Miracle Treat Day.
“This year for both the stores in Thunder Bay we are planning to raise more than $10,000."
Dairy Queen is open on Thursday until 11 p.m. in-store and midnight for the drive-thru.
Blizzards have been selling all day, and Patel said evenings are when they get the most sales.
“It's a late night, and I’m hoping more community members come in the evening.”
It always feels good to give back, he said.
“The community is supporting us throughout the year, so we are hoping we can do something for the community itself.
“We try to do our part, we always get great support from the community, so it just feels good.”
