A massive wave of community support created blizzard conditions of a different kind in Steinbach on Aug. 13, as the local Dairy Queen hosted its annual Miracle Treat Days event to benefit the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. Restaurant owner Stewart Holditch reported that this year’s single-day charity drive achieved exceptional success, raising a total of $12,604 for the charity through the sale of 2,276 Blizzard treats. The impressive totals marked a significant leap beyond previous benchmarks, representing an increase of over $3,000 and 300 orders compared to last year’s record-setting figures. Throughout the day, steady crowds of patrons filled the premises and formed drive-thru lines that stretched completely around the building, demonstrating widespread backing for pediatric health research and care.

The annual fundraiser forms part of a broader provincial effort by Dairy Queen locations across Manitoba. Since the Miracle Days initiative first began, Dairy Queen restaurants in the province have collectively raised over $2 million. All proceeds generated through the Steinbach event are directed to the Children’s Miracle Network to support the local children’s hospital. Specifically, funds raised during this year’s drive will be channeled directly into essential research conducted at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, where medical teams focus on developing new treatments and fighting various childhood illnesses.

Record Sales Fueled by Innovative Coupon Program

Reflecting on the overwhelming turnout, Holditch described the atmosphere inside the restaurant as intense and deeply rewarding. He noted that the kitchen crew and volunteers experienced nonstop demand from the moment doors opened. ‘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,’ Holditch stated, adding that volunteers were constantly amazed by the steady stream of supporters. He expressed immense gratitude toward the regional community for stepping up so forcefully to support the charity drive.

A key factor driving this year’s sales growth was an innovative coupon program introduced by Holditch. The program was designed to offer customers greater convenience by allowing them to purchase coupons for a fresh Blizzard treat to be redeemed at a time of their choosing, rather than having to take home a preserved frozen dessert on the spot. This flexibility proved to be a major hit with local shoppers, resulting in over 600 coupons sold during the campaign.

Holditch explained that buyers found numerous creative ways to utilize the new option. Several patrons remarked that the vouchers would serve as ideal Christmas stocking stuffers later in the year or as rewards for employee get-togethers at work. ‘All proceeds go to the Children’s Miracle Network and supporting our local children’s hospital,’ Holditch emphasized. ‘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.’

Celebrity Volunteers and Community Leaders Crew the Kitchen

While the new coupon program boosted sales volume, Holditch emphasized that the ultimate success of Miracle Treat Days rested on the dedication of community members and a strong roster of volunteers. A dedicated cadre of past restaurant employees returned to assist, joining local celebrity volunteers who stepped up to crew the kitchen and manage the heavy rush of orders throughout the day-long event.

Among those giving their time behind the counter was Steinbach Pistons coach Paul Dyck, who spent several hours operating the Blizzard machine and handing completed orders to customers at the drive-thru window. Dyck’s active involvement served as a hands-on lesson in community leadership for young hockey up-and-comers who stopped by. Among them was Hudson Unger, a young Eastman South Blizzard player who attended the fundraiser with his mother to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Dyck demonstrated firsthand to the youth the vital importance of giving back to local charitable causes.

Civic leaders also rolled up their sleeves to keep pace with the relentless demand. Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk and City Councillor Michael Zwaagstra were both present at the restaurant, assisting staff and volunteers as orders poured in. The fast-paced environment kept everyone working continuously. At one point during the rush, a restaurant staff member tossed a rag to Mayor Funk, instructing him, ‘Here! Wipe this down fast, they’re still coming,’ highlighting the lighthearted teamwork required to manage the overwhelming customer influx.

Car Club Display and Looking Ahead to Future Drives

The high-energy atmosphere extended well beyond the restaurant’s drive-thru lane and interior counter. In the adjacent McMunn and Yates parking lot, members of the Country Classic Car Club gathered to showcase their classic vehicles. The display provided waiting patrons and families with an enjoyable visual attraction to explore while devouring their Miracle Day Blizzards, adding a festival-like feel to the charity event.

For Holditch, the mission of supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba carries deep personal significance alongside its broad civic impact. Reflecting on why the initiative means so much to the community and his team, Holditch noted that his own family has relied on the specialized pediatric healthcare services funded by such drives in past years.

Looking ahead, the Steinbach Dairy Queen owner expressed enthusiasm for continuing the annual tradition and aiming even higher in future campaigns. ‘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,’ Holditch concluded, expressing his profound appreciation to everyone who participated in making the event a resounding success.

Reporting based on coverage from The Carillon.

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