On Thursday, August 14, Cochrane residents will have a chance to support Alberta’s children’s hospitals while enjoying a Blizzard treat at Dairy Queen.
“Miracle Treat Day” is our biggest fundraiser of the year for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation,” says Tim Morrison, longtime owner of the DQ location at 14 Westside Dr. “We have a decades-long relationship with them, raising money every August, and it’s just a fun way to get things done.”
Each year, Dairy Queen donates 100% of net proceeds from every Blizzard sold, and of every size, to local children’s hospital foundations throughout Canada. Cochrane’s DQ will once again fundraise for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, directly helping children and their families in Cochrane.
Morrison’s own family has benefited from local children’s hospitals.
“We’re customers of the children’s hospital, usually after sporting events,” says Morrison, a father of five. “They treated the kids really well. They do a wonderful job.”
Cochrane’s DQ raised $10,000 at last year’s Miracle Treat Day, and they’re hoping to exceed that total this time around. Morrison expects they will, weather permitting.
“The biggest thing that will determine how we do is what the weatherman brings for us,” he says. “If we get some hot, sunny weather, we should beat it fairly easily.”
For customers, the job is simple. Order a Blizzard of any size on August 14, then enjoy it.
“Just come on in and order your favourite Blizzard – the bigger the better,” Morrison says. “We look forward to having many people come in, and we’ll have lots of employees working to hopefully move the line along as quickly as possible.”
One of the many things Morrison appreciates about Cochrane is how enthusiastically the community comes out to support worthwhile events. It’s a vibrancy that speaks to the city’s business community, as well.
“The more that the town is able to support local businesses, the more that the businesses can put back into the community,” he explains. “Then we can employ more people and support other businesses in the community as well.”
Morrison has more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, having opened Dairy Queen with his father in 1994. Over the years it’s become a family affair, with all five of his kids having worked there at some point. Not too long ago the family opened a second location, and another will soon open at Southbow Landing.
But for now, his focus is on Miracle Treat Day.
“We just want to beat last year’s record.”
Miracle Treat Day is August 14, 2025, and Cochrane and area residents can support the initiative by purchasing a Blizzard treat at the 14 Westside Dr location. The restaurant can be contacted by calling (403) 932-7484, and more information about Miracle Treat Day is available online.