https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBTdLHcnS9E
For most people, buying a Blizzard on a hot August day is simply a chance to cool down with a favourite ice cream treat.
For Sarah Whitefield, it means something much more.
On Thursday, August 13, Canadians will once again come together for Miracle Treat Day, an annual fundraiser that sees 100 per cent of net proceeds from every Blizzard Treat sold at participating DQ locations donated to local children’s hospital foundations.
And for Whitefield, the cause is deeply personal.
“I was born on Valentine’s Day, five and a half weeks early,” Whitefield said.
Her medical journey was only beginning.
At five months and 24 days old, Whitefield underwent a stomach, pancreas, liver and bowel transplant.
She spent the first 10 months of her life in hospitals — the first five months at SickKids in Toronto before being transferred to London Children’s Hospital, where she received her transplant.
“Helping by doing this event, I’m supporting a hospital that basically kept me alive until I got the call for my transplant,” she said.
That is why Miracle Treat Day has become much more than an annual fundraiser for Whitefield.
It is her way of giving back.
“I’ve been helping at this event since I was seven years old, so back in 2004,” she said.
Over the years, she has missed only one Miracle Treat Day.
“That’s a lot of years,” she said with a laugh.
But behind the years of volunteering is a powerful reason to keep showing up.
“It means a huge thing because it’s a way for me to give back to the hospitals that helped save my life and help fundraise for equipment they may need eventually.”
A Blizzard with a bigger purpose
Miracle Treat Day is now in its 25th year in Canada, with Canadians raising more than $58 million to support essential treatment and care for children.
The funds stay local, helping children’s hospitals and foundations provide equipment, specialized care and life-changing treatments.
Every Blizzard purchased at a participating DQ on August 13 contributes to the cause.
Whitefield said the event is also about bringing the community together.
“Come out, get a Blizzard,” she said. “They’ll be face painting as well for the little kids.”
The DQ staff will also be wearing tie-dye shirts for the occasion — and Whitefield plans to be wearing hers.
“It’s a fun time to raise money, have a Blizzard on a very hot day like today, and cool down with an ice cream Blizzard and raise money for our close-to-home hospital like SickKids.”
For Whitefield, there is an added sense of connection knowing the money raised can help children facing the same frightening circumstances she experienced as a baby.
She knows firsthand what children’s hospitals mean to families.
She knows what it means to depend on specialized care, dedicated medical professionals and equipment that can make the difference between life and death.
And she knows what it means to eventually walk out of that hospital and get a second chance at life.
Now, she is helping give that chance to others.
Across Canada, more than 2.8 million visits are made to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals every year. DQ Canada has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network for more than 41 years.
The message behind Miracle Treat Day is simple: enjoy a Blizzard and make a difference.
There are no complicated steps and no additional donation required.
Just order a Blizzard.
For Whitefield, however, August 13 represents something much bigger than ice cream.
It represents gratitude.
It represents giving back.
And it represents remembering the hospitals that helped keep a little girl alive long enough to grow up and become part of the effort to help other children.
One Blizzard. One day. One lasting impact.
Miracle Treat Day takes place Thursday, August 13, 2026, at participating DQ locations across Canada including the Cobourg location at 950 Division Street.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
