DQ's Miracle Treat Day raises cool cash for kids

BURLINGTON, ON, Aug. 9 /CNW/ - Dairy Queen Canada today announced that proceeds from every Blizzard(R) sold at over 570 DQ's across Canada on Thursday, August 11 will be donated to Children's Miracle Network. Canadians coast-to-coast will have an opportunity to support this charity as money raised will benefit local children's hospitals within each community.

"Since 1984 Dairy Queen has been a proud supporter of Children's Miracle Network and last year they raised more than $1.3 million for the 14 dedicated children's hospitals across Canada," said John Hartman, Senior Vice President, Children's Miracle Network. "Funds from DQ Miracle Treat Day directly benefit more than 2 million children each year in Canada who are treated for various diseases, afflictions and accidents and we are delighted to work with such an enthusiastic and committed partner."

This national fundraiser was kicked off today by four-time world champion figure skater Kurt Browning at The Hospital for Sick Children (affectionately known as SickKids).

"Each person can make a difference in the life of a Canadian child who is being treated at a Children's Miracle Network hospital," said Kurt Browning. "I'm here today to raise awareness for this important cause and to encourage Canadians to visit their local DQ on August 11 and buy a Blizzard to help raise funds for this vital charity."

Across the country, local celebrities, Children's Miracle Network ambassadors, Miracle Children and DQ executives will lend their time and support to serve Blizzards on Miracle Treat Day this coming Thursday.

"Customers who dig into our signature soft serve treat on August 11 can feel great about their contribution to Dairy Queen's Miracle Treat Day," said Jean Champagne, COO of Dairy Queen Canada. "We are thankful to our more than 570 franchise owners across Canada for their commitment to such a worthy cause."

In Canada, the children's hospitals/ foundations supported by Children's Miracle Network include: BC Children's Hospital Foundation in Vancouver, Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation in Calgary, Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation in Edmonton, Children's Health Foundation of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba in Winnipeg, SickKids Foundation in Toronto, Children's Health Foundation in London, McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation in Ottawa, Operation Enfant Soleil in Sainte Foy , IWK Health Centre in Halifax, and the Janeway Children's Hospital Foundation in St. John's.

About Children's Miracle Network (CMN)

Children's Miracle Network - the alliance of premier hospitals for children - is an international non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals and health foundations across North America. Each year the 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind.

This year alone Children's Miracle Network hospitals will provide charity care worth billions, yet these non-profit hospitals depend on community support to help fund their vital services. Through its year-round efforts to help kids, Children's Miracle Network has raised more than $2.2 billion to date, most of which is donated a dollar or two at a time by caring individuals across North America.

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