🎉🍦 Innisfail Dairy Queen just set a new record on Miracle Treat Day, raising over $17,000 for kids! 🙌💙 Thanks to everyone who supported this amazing cause. #Olds #Alberta
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Innisfail Dairy Queen Celebrates 35 Years with a Record-Breaking Miracle Treat Day
Since 1989, Innisfail Dairy Queen has been more than just a local spot to grab a Blizzard—it's been a beacon of community spirit and generosity. Over the past 35 years, this beloved Main Street restaurant has not only served up tasty treats but has also raised over $242,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network, a charity dedicated to improving the health and lives of children across Canada and the United States.
A Milestone Celebration
On August 8, the Innisfail Dairy Queen marked a significant milestone: its 35th anniversary. The atmosphere was electric, with special anniversary balloons floating around the restaurant, and staff members buzzing with excitement. But the day wasn’t just about celebrating years in business; it was about making a difference. That’s because August 8 was also Dairy Queen’s 22nd annual Miracle Treat Day, a day dedicated to supporting children’s hospitals across North America through the sale of Blizzard treats.
A Record-Breaking Day
Mark Kemball, the proud owner of Innisfail Dairy Queen, couldn’t hide his excitement as he watched his team in action on this special day. “I can’t believe it, but we had a record year,” Kemball shared, beaming with pride. “Between Blizzard sales and customer donations, we raised just over $17,000. The community and my dedicated staff are amazing.”
The energy in the restaurant was palpable. Customers were more than happy to indulge in their favorite frozen treats, knowing that their purchase was going towards a good cause. Meanwhile, the staff, all dressed in vibrant blue t-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Miracles by the Red Spoonful,” worked tirelessly to keep up with the high demand.
“It’s the one day of the year where our staff really come together, and they are absolutely excited to work on Miracle Treat Day,” Kemball explained. “It’s a busy day, but it’s one where they know the money raised is going to a facility they’ve either used or know somebody that has.”
A Legacy of Giving Back
For Kemball, Miracle Treat Day is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a tradition that has been a part of his business from the very beginning. Each year, proceeds from the sale of Blizzard treats at his restaurant go directly to Calgary’s Alberta Children’s Hospital. These funds play a crucial role in reducing hospital wait times, implementing life-saving treatments, and investing in advanced medical equipment that helps accelerate recoveries for young patients.
Since opening its doors 35 years ago, the Innisfail Dairy Queen has been a consistent supporter of this cause. Last year, the restaurant raised a then-record $15,500 on Miracle Treat Day. But this year, they surpassed even that impressive total, bringing in over $17,000.
“I think we’ve been lucky over the years for a town our size to raise the kind of money that we do,” Kemball said. “And that success is because of the support we get from the community. People come, they buy a Blizzard, they feel good about that, and they know that the money is going to help kids.”
Community Spirit at Its Best
The success of this year’s Miracle Treat Day at the Innisfail Dairy Queen is a testament to the strong sense of community that exists in the town. It’s clear that both the customers and the staff share a common goal: to make a positive impact on the lives of sick children.
Throughout the day, the restaurant was packed with locals who were eager to do their part. Many of them have been coming to Innisfail Dairy Queen for years, and they see Miracle Treat Day as a chance to give back while enjoying a treat. For some, it’s become an annual tradition to bring their families and make a donation.
The camaraderie among the staff was also evident. Working long hours on one of the busiest days of the year, they remained enthusiastic and focused, knowing that their efforts were making a difference. And as the day came to a close, there was a sense of pride in the air, not just for the money raised, but for the way the community had come together.
Looking Ahead
As Innisfail Dairy Queen looks to the future, there’s no doubt that Miracle Treat Day will continue to be a highlight of the year. For Mark Kemball and his team, it’s a chance to give back to the community that has supported them for so many years. And with each passing year, they’re determined to raise even more funds for the Children’s Miracle Network.
But beyond the dollars and cents, what really stands out is the spirit of generosity that this event brings out in everyone involved. It’s a reminder that even small towns can make a big difference when they come together for a common cause.
So here’s to 35 years of Innisfail Dairy Queen—a place where community spirit, generosity, and, of course, delicious Blizzards, go hand in hand. And here’s to many more years of making miracles happen, one red spoonful at a time.