Dairy Queen Blizzards help raise funds for CHEO on Miracle Treat Day

Dairy Queen’s Miracle Treat Day is raising funds for CHEO. CTV’s Dave Charbonneau reports.

For 13-year-old Lu Oudhoff, a Dairy Queen Blizzard comes with a serving of hope.

“It’s really great that we get to help them by eating ice cream, because ice cream is awesome,” said Lu.

Lu knows firsthand what CHEO can do for young people.

“I had a depressive episode, and I was suffering anxiety. CHEO sort of helped me through it and made it so that I wasn’t feeling so alone.”

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It’s a feeling echoed by Lu’s mom, Rose Spangers.

“For Lu to have been able to turn something that was really a very tough period for them into something that empowers them and helps them give something back to the hospital that has been such an amazing support for them throughout their mental health journey, that’s been amazing,” Spangers said.

This year marks 41 years of partnership between Dairy Queen and the Children’s Miracle Network, with more than $55 million raised for Canadian hospitals since 1984.

“Every year, Miracle Treat Day is held across the country as part of Children’s Miracle Network and Dairy Queen locations are kind enough to donate their net proceeds from Blizzard sales to the local children’s hospital,” said Steve Read, CHEO Foundation president and CEO.

Supporting CHEO is something many in the community are proud to do.

“We work in construction, and we do this every year for the guys,” said DQ customer Donalda Tryon, who ordered 15 Blizzards for her crew. “We do it at Camp Tay for Tim Hortons. We do it on McDonald’s day as well, so it just helps out everyone.”

“I think CHEO, in our community, to have that level of care for kids, we’re so fortunate to have so close by,” said DQ customer Rebecca Laginski.

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This year, more than 660 Dairy Queen stores are supporting 13 children’s hospital foundations across the country.

“This helps us give back to the community in the best way possible. To raise funds for the children, the future of our country. And raise money for all the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals,” said Noman Hussain, Dairy Queen Eastern Ontario business consultant.

As for Lu, making a difference has never been so sweet.

“We literally just buy an ice cream and then bam, we’re helping CHEO.”